Looking to Connect with local ATX Investors + Wholesalers

[Will Kiesling]

 I am interested in  connecting with some local real estate investors and wholesalers here in Austin. I'd like to expand my network on the residential side here in Austin as I am looking at investing in smaller residential/multifamily projects. My inclination is to start by wholesaleing some residential and smaller multifamily projects to start while I learn this part of the business/gain expertise and then take on projects for my own account or partner with investors.  As a quick primer on my background, I work for a commercial mortgage banking  company here in Austin and have been in the commercial RE industry for 7 1/2 years with no plans of leaving. 

I'd love to hear how you got started, how you generate leads, and/or any advice/suggestions/criticism. Feel free to PM me or post and I'll follow up accordingly.

[Jon Lee]

Hi @Will Kiesling....When I first started, I just prospected in Craigslist calling FSBO's (For Sale By Owner). Found my first two (of many) deals in a span of 12 phone calls within a day from each other. I want to let you know it took me a few months to get good enough on the phone to both feel comfortable and effective building rapport with potential sellers.

The next level of finding opportunities for me was when my NETWORK was large and effective enough to bring my business partner & I all the opportunities that we could handle.  Now, my network grew in my local market due to us establishing what was originally just a meetup group for investors and almost 6 years later being the largest investor meeting in town.  All that to say that people bring opportunities to us now...not so much prospecting going on.

The third thing you can do is direct marketing but I suggest you get really good at talking to people/sellers first before you start burning money on marketing, otherwise it's just a waste.  Prospecting is always your go to default when you need to get opportunities in the pipeline to turn into potential "deals".  It's free; and you can create opportunities to pursue daily!

Hope this help's you out a little...at least give you some things to take into consideration.