NEWBIE INVESTOR in Southern CA - Wholesaling, Buy/Flip

[Andy Cross]

Hello fellow RE Investors!

My name is Andy Cross and I'm located just outside of LA in an area called Palmdale, CA. (and I use the words "just outside" extremely loose) I am a newbie investor primarily in the Metro LA, Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita Valley. I joined the investor clan after leaving a stressed out life in advertising/marking over 15 years. I still work freelance to pay the bills; as I'm still in the process of trying to land my first deal.

Starting out, I'm looking to wholesale contracts; just to build enough capital to be able to buy and flip. Buying and flipping is where my passion lies right now. Knowing what I know now, I realize those flipping shows on TV are a bunch of BULL. The only ones I like is "Flip or Flop" and "Flipping the Heartland," because they always add in closing costs to their calculations at the end. The rest don't - which I feel give people who aren't in the know the illusion that they are making a boatload of money, when they really aren't.

Over the last 4 months, I've tried many avenues to get deals; NOD, NTS, small direct mail, Driving for Dollars, and cold calls. I refuse to door-knock...I think it's dangerous and I feel the follow-up is a waste of time and gas. I've gotten a couple of phone calls from Driving for Dollars...but no deals made. Those vacant homeowners weren't motivated. But I do plan to follow up.

I'm here to network, and pick the brains of you seasoned investors. I'd also like to make connections with cash buyers; as I build my wholesaling business, I want to be able to shoot them over to you all.

All the best everyone...and I'll see you on the discussion boards.