Seeking Advice: Real Estate Platform for Deal Posting vs. Investment Partnerships

[Kevin G.]

Hi,

I’m at a crossroads with a startup idea I’m passionate about and could really use some advice from this knowledgeable community.

I’m currently working on building a platform aimed at revolutionizing the way we approach real estate investment. Initially, I started with a project called Dealsletter, which has grown quite well and has received positive feedback from the real estate investing community. Now, I'm looking to take the next step and build a comprehensive platform.

However, I’m conflicted between two potential approaches for the initial launch:

Option 1: Real Estate Deal Posting Platform

• Concept: A platform where users can post real estate deals they’ve discovered. Other users can browse these deals, view detailed investment metrics, and potentially connect with the deal posters.
• Pros:
  • Simple and straightforward to build.
  • Leverages the existing interest and user base from Dealsletter.
  • Validates the idea with minimal investment.
• Cons:
  • Limited engagement if users only post deals without further interaction.
  • Might not fully address the needs of users looking for investment opportunities.

Option 2: Investment Partnership Platform

• Concept: A platform allowing both accredited and non-accredited investors to come together and invest in real estate deals. This would include user verification, deal posting, and investment tracking.
• Pros:
  • Higher potential for user engagement and transaction volume.
  • Addresses a more significant need in the real estate investment space.
  • Potential for greater revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
• Cons:
  • More complex to build, requiring robust user verification and secure transaction handling.
  • Higher initial investment of time and resources.

I have already received strong positive feedback from my Dealsletter subscribers, with many expressing interest in a more comprehensive platform. Additionally, I’ve had several successful viral posts on Reddit that indicate a genuine interest in the concept.

Questions for the Community:

1. Which approach do you think has a higher chance of success in the real estate technology market?
2. What features would you prioritize for the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in either scenario?
3. Are there any significant risks or challenges I should be aware of with either approach?
4. Has anyone here had experience with similar platforms and can share insights on what worked and what didn’t?

Looking to reach out to investors to gain their advice / input on what platform they might be interested in using! Thanks for any help you can provide.