Driving For Dollars Advice

[Ali Kassam]

I live in Arlington, Virginia, which is one of the most affluent areas of the country.  Every day I drive past these really old houses that are screaming to be renovated, but most of the smaller houses in the area are being purchased by builders who are tearing them down and building new houses on the lots.  

I want to start Driving for Dollars, but taking a much more aggressive approach to it.  I'm thinking of  knocking on any door where the house was built in the 70's or 80's and asking if the owner has any interest in selling their home.  At a minimum, I want to leave every person I speak with a business card so they have a way of contacting me whenever they do decide to sell their house.  For any owner who does not answer, I'm thinking of having pre-printed letters on yellow paper and leaving one in their mailbox (this way I save on postage).  I can keep a running spreadsheet of everyone I speak to, and follow up with them both via mailing and phone call so that I ensure a number of touches.  

I noticed most people don't ever actually knock on doors, but rather just collect information and then revert to mailing and and phone calls.  For anyone who knocks, what does your pitch sound like?  Do you just focus on the fact that you want to buy their house as is and allow them to buy a new home without any hassle?  What kinds of questions do you ask?  

[Grant Rothenburger]

@Ali Kassam I don't think it is legal to put something in the mailbox, but not 100% sure, I'd look into that before doing it. 

There is also an app called dealmachine app (google it) you can use it to look up owner info on the spot and call them while you're there if they don't answer the door.

The only other advice I have is to ask them before you leave if it is okay for you to keep in touch with them and see if anything has changed in a month. Try to get a number to call in 30 days or 2 weeks or whatever you decide to do for follow up and be consistent with following up.