Jumping into Direct Mail: Need Insights!

[Shawn Good]

Hey BP Savages,

I'm expanding into direct mail marketing after years of networking. Our portfolio: flips, long-term, and short-term rentals. I need some tips from the seasoned pros here:

1. Data Sources: What are your go-to data sources? PropStream, List Source, or others? Also, considering hiring drive for dollars team members. 
2. Postcards vs. Letters: Has anyone observed different response rates between these two?
3. Marketing Cycle: How do you structure your mail marketing campaign? For instance, do you begin with a letter and then follow it up with three postcards? Or is your strategy to consistently send postcards over 6 months?
4. Response Rate: What response rate have you typically achieved with direct mail? Should I set my expectations at around 1% or possibly lower?
5. Advice and Tips: I'd truly appreciate any nuggets of wisdom, tips, or even pitfalls to avoid.
6. Seasonal Considerations: Have you noticed any trends related to the time of year? Are certain months better than others for direct mail?

The Bigger Pockets community has always been a fountain of knowledge, and I'm looking forward to hearing your insights on this. Thank you in advance!

-Shawn