Direct Mail approach to begin wholesale business

[Nathan Foust]

Hello all! So just a brief background on my position in real estate I've been doing 2 years of paralysis of analysis in understanding the ins and outs of wholesaling. In doing so, I've been to local real estate meetings and partnered up with local real estate investors in grasping a deeper insight on what I can expect. Lately, I've been on biggerpockets podcasts and forums religiously so I can be in the position to minimize my mistakes and not take any big losses financially. Which is my biggest fear of entering this market. I have limited time and finances (for I'm currently in college and working 25 hours a week) to become heavily invested into this business. 

After doing some research I've decided to undergo the Direct Mail approach when I am reaching out to the motivated sellers. Is there any advice that you all may provide to me before I begin my mailing campaign next month? Anything will be greatly appreciated! 

[John Hixon]

@Nathan Foust Congrats on deciding to take action in 2017.  I was in the same boat until 4 months ago when I decided enough is enough.  I teamed up with a great direct mail partner who also acts as my mentor/coach for free.  I am sending out 1,800 letters a month, so far I have gotten two great deals and a third that will close at the end of March which will net a nice profit and a fourth that if everything goes right will be my first flip and will make me more money then I make in 4 years at my current job.  (if that turns out like I think it will I wont be at my current job any longer )  :)   I say that just to let you know that it is possible to make it as real estate investor.  It just takes time, dedication and most important lots of direct mail.  

Also I see several people on here suggest to work out a script.  I do not use scripts because I have a call center take all of my calls live.  If you are serious about taking your real estate investing to another level and getting off on the right foot I would highly recommend a call center.  But, watch out what call center you choose, I use one that is only for real estate investors so all of the representatives know what they are talking about and can actually have productive real estate related conversations.  A lot of call centers out there just use some generic script.  

Lastly, if you decide to take your own calls, you have to answer your phone.  99% of investors let the calls go to voicemail,  I never understood that.  If a homeowner has a stack of letters in front of them which most do because all real estate investors are using the same lists, then you want to be the one who picks up.  I work full time and cannot answer the phone at work so that is why I use a call center but if you can answer your phone then for the love of God pick it up.  You spend way too much money just to let a call go to voicemail.  

Well, best of luck in your REI business. You already made one of the hardest decisions and that was to start, now the easy work begins.