LOOKING FOR INVESTOR MARKETING TIPS

[Victor Cornell]

Good afternoon BP,

I trust everyone is well. I’m a new member to BP and I would like to know if anyone has any insight on the most efficient ways to market to sellers and buyers as a wholesaler? I’m aware of the direct postcard mailing and cold calling strategy, and I’m also aware that many people frown upon the bandit sign strategy. Therefore, does anyone have any advice on proven methods that have provided excellent results in their business? Looking forward to responses, and enjoy your day.

[Van Blackman]

@Victor Cornell

Hello sir!

First off, congrats on joining BP. I think you'll find a lot of valuable information and insight here on the site!

Second, regarding your inquiry on best ways to market, here is what has helped me MOST in my pursuit of off-market deals in Chicago - if applied, these strategies will work anywhere:

1. Social Media/Online Presence - Go to Facebook and LinkedIn, even Instagram. Try to connect with as many people in the real estate industry in your area as possible. This means realtors, attorneys, lenders, investors, contractors, property managers, leasing agents, city officials, you name it. If you're the type of person who uses social media to post about your personal life, maybe consider creating a separate business-oriented profile strictly for real estate purposes. Now that you have your profile ready, and you've started to accrue some "friends", post 1-2x per day regarding who you are, what you do, and how you can help. The goal is to get all of your contacts to associate you with one thing: buying and selling real estate. With me, I'm just looking to buy, so of course, I cater more towards that. In a couple weeks time, you should start to get leads through your online social media channels, all the while getting your name and brand awareness out there to the rest of the world.

2. Just like with social media, you'll need to go out and meet people in person and do the same thing. Go to meet ups, shake hands, and get to know the players in your market. 2-3x per week is fine. Be sure to follow up with everyone you meet via email, and of course, find them on social media. Now you're meeting people in person, and they're seeing all of your content online through your social media presence. 

3. Letter campaigns are great.

4. Door-knocking is greater.

You don't necessarily need a list of homes to send letters to, or even door knock on. Simply drive some neighborhoods where you live and make a note of the seemingly vacant properties. Knock on the door. Knock on the neighbor's door. Talk to people walking the sidewalks. Nobody knows the neighborhood like the guy who walks it every morning. 

5. Get your broker's license. Trust me. This will give you MLS access, credibility, and it will ultimately help you determine ARV's in much more accuracy than Zillow or any other site. Not to mention, you'll be coming in contact with many more brokers who come across deals than if you weren't licensed.

In closing: get your name out there, tell people what you do, and talk to everyone. Don't be discouraged if you don't buy houses immediately. These things take time.

If you know any decent wholesalers or lead sources in Chicago, let me know! We're buying 200 homes per month, and I need more out here. We buy in ATL as well!

Hope this helps.