Direct Mail & Seller Meetings Age or Female Gender Response Bias?

[Natalie Schanne]

I'm an experienced engineer, RE agent and investor. I've been sending direct mail - postcards, yellow letters - and have yet to get a property under an off-market contract after 10+ owner / seller meetings. (Sure, I'm the common factor and may need to revise my letters or discussions. I'm a white female in her 30's in Central New Jersey.)

80%+ of the lenders, wholesalers, investors and flippers I meet are men. 70%+ of the RE agents I meet are women. I'm trying to determine if I need to partner with a man to advance my investing business.

What has your experience been with perceived age or gender bias when negotiating with an owner / seller? 

- When negotiating to see the property (on the phone)? 

- When negotiating to get a signed contract, including the property's price / cash offer?

• Do you think a female voice responding to direct mail letters gets more or less offers to come visit the property / continue the conversation?
• In person, Do you think an older man (50's-60's, properly groomed) generally commands more respect and trust than a young 'hustler' man (20's-30's)? 
• At the same cash offer price, do you think the older or younger man gets the deal?
• In person, do you think a 30's woman or a 30's man is more likely to be taken seriously and ultimately trusted to close the deal by the seller? Why?
• What have your actual experiences been as wholesalers and investors? What age/gender bias exists with some sellers, influencing your negotiations?