Just get out there and make things happen

I have been in real estate now for around two years and I am no expert. I would simply like to share my small amount of experience with those who are seasoned and those that are just getting started. Again, not that I am an expert but just as someone wanting to share my own experience.

I have been approached by a couple of people in the past wanting to get started in "Wholesaling" of all things. I ask them what are their end goals. Of course, everyone always answers just to make money. As if that is a big surprise- right? So, I think that there are just so many people out there trying to get into real estate by "assigning" contracts and being a "Bird Dog" but I want to say from my experience that it is a lot of work. 

If you think that you can just come into real estate and spend some time on Zillow or some local board of Realtor website and find deals then you and about 5 million other people are thinking the same thing. Sure, it can be done but don't you want to actually get "in front" of deals instead of chasing them?

What I mean by "getting in front" of deals is this- go out and find a deal on your own and put it under contract. If it is a deal then it will sell. Ok so you are saying to yourself (the same stuff I was probably thinking) there is no way I could pay for a house if it does not sell. Well, that is where finding someone who you look up and asking them to partner with you comes into the picture. 

I am sure you are asking the question how do I get in front of deal? 

• By getting out there and just passing out your business card. 
• Send letters to people who own a house that is empty. 
• Send a letter to someone who has a rental- like all of the "For Rent" signs out there are screaming "Make me a cash offer"! 
• Buy a list from listsource or another list provider for whatever you can spend- even if it is a $100. Just do it! Write a letter to an absentee owner list. Probate list. Any list!

You can get a contract by reaching out to a local real estate agent for your area. I actually looked at a house in Illinois where I am not licensed and asked a local agent for one of their contracts. Sure enough they were willing to help as long as you tell them that if you get the deal that you will have them list the home for you. Of course, I will actually use this agent but it is just an example. 

To summarize: The best piece of advice I could ever give someone new or someone wanting to start wholesaling is to partner up with someone already establishe in your area. Watch mountains move when you decide that your "competition" is really your best business partner. Together with my business partner we have completed close to 40-50 deals this year. He could not have done this without my help and I could not have done all these deals without his help. Once you break through the "fear" and anxiety and just make things happen- you will find a way of life that you never dreamed possible. You can do this!

Stephen Barton