The value of a QUALIFIED lead?

[Paul Wakim]

Hello everyone, I have a simple (hopefully interesting!) question that I've been thinking about quite a bit as I talk with some investors in my area, look at my own leads and my business. I think it will be very interesting to compare everyone's replies! 

Whether its a lead from a bird dog, a JV partner, a friend, family member or someone random coming directly to you trying to sell their property, how much is that lead worth to you and your business?

I'm not talking about an "on market" deal, what I'm asking is how much is an investment-worthy deal lead worth to you?

$100? $500? $2,000? $10,000?

For the sake of simplicity and discussion consider a single-family, duplex, triplex, or 4 unit. Also, forget the analysis, this hypothetical deal works as an investment. You may have to do some negotiations to convince the seller to sell for a slightly lower price but they are qualified and ready to sell. 

Another way to look at this is question if you're an experienced investor; how much are you spending with wholesalers, agents, direct mail, online ads, etc to find the sellers who are ready to talk and ready to sell? 

If you're a new investor just getting into the real estate business, how much is a qualified lead worth to you?

I know things are different all over the country and different investors have "better" marketing than others. 

So, all variables aside, what is a QUALIFIED lead worth to you?