All Forum Posts by: Aaron Winters

Hey BP!

I'm just about ready to jump into a CRM for my virtual wholesale business. My main use cases for this tool:

1. Low effort implementation
2. Automatic leads
3. Share lead information in real time
4. Track status of prospect
5. Email management with drip campaign (++ if it has text ability, too)
6. Mobile App (willing to settle for mobile web if really comes through in other features)

I've scoped out a few out-of-the-box solutions with findings below:

Is anyone out there using Brivity? Thoughts on the tool?While I love everything BoomTown has to offer, the price is not within my realm. I'd prefer REImobile but it sounds like they are no longer accepting new clients as they turn to FlipPilot (not yet available). So, I'm 90% sure I'll be implementing Brivity, but want to make sure this would be good for wholesalers (it is Real Estate Agent specific).

Further, let me know if anything in my table is off; I'd love to know if I missed anything.

I've been going the online/Pay-per-click route, myself. I'm about six weeks in with five leads and, if I can get the price right, inching towards closing my first contract. I've been pleased with the results but have the mindset it takes time to build up an audience. I'm using a service to host the site and run the PPC campaign, but am going to start following up on leads with a mailing campaign. I think the most important aspect I hear over and over is:

• Find a strategy and stick to it for 3-6 months
• Don't give up too early
• Work your tail off

You're right, re-reading the first line does lead the audience astray. I tried to edit but was too late so I could only add an update to the end. Thanks for calling that out.

Have you created your own templates or did you pull them from somewhere? Do you worry about all the variables (letter v postcard; printed v "hand-written", big v small, color v natural)? I imagine I might be complicating things too much but just looking for the right direction.

As a wholesaler, what has been your biggest hurdle? What is the most challenging part to get through?

Well put - I'm still working my way into the business and away from a W2. With that, I've got to find ways to outsource some of the work. My first steps have been to take on the marketing, while partnering for the acquisition work. I'm about 6 weeks in and haven't been able to close but have had a nice start of leads. 

You speak of a tipping point for manual v outsourcing, when do you think that point is? I understand it can vary for everyone, but I'm curious of the work needed in order to manage this. I imagine it includes:

• Template creation: Form, font, size,
• Data entry: Putting new leads into templates
• Printing: One-at-a-time v lead packet
• Inventory Management: Letters, envelopes, postcards, stamps, etc.
• Envelope Stuffing: Plus all other manual work to prep a letter
• Scheduling: Determining the the frequency of letters
• Tracking: Watching lead to letter and where they are along the marketing funnel

What else am I missing? What takes the most time or which is the biggest pain point?

@Michael Quarles - I imagine if I followed some of the links in your signature I might be able to find my way to this company? When will some of these services be available?

@Brandon Krieg @Lydia R. - my focus is on communicating with sellers with the idea being: they've submitted an online lead form but have had some sort of second thoughts or didn't close the deal at that time. My main driver for motivated seller leads will be online, but then potentially do longer term follow ups via direct mail.

So, there's a LOT out there about building buyers list. I can find all sorts of information about:

• Services to curate a list
• Criteria to help filter your list
• Services to manage mailers
• Information on mailer expectations

Does anyone offer a mailer service for 1 address at a time?

I'm taking a little different of an approach (I think) to building my mailing list. I'm using a web form and online ads to drive traffic. When someone completes a form, I'm following up with them, gathering their information, and looking to set an appointment with the hopes of closing on a contract.

There are, however, those who will fill out a form and then don't answer, return calls, or, generally, follow up. They've submitted information, have shown interest, but are still a little gun shy. While I already follow up via text and email, I'm considering a drip campaign, too.

I'd like to do a number of electronic follow-ups but then turn to mailing them. While my leads are slowly growing, they are no where near the 500 or so I usually see for this type of service. Theoretically, I'm hoping to feed leads one at a time to a mailing list that may eventually grow to a full blown mailing effort. Thoughts?

@Jim Coleman, I'm doing something similar and still walking my way through the first few leads and contracts. With that said, my partner and I are structured to split the assignment fee 50/50. He's got a few investors who are backing him, as he'll then do the rehab work on the house to set it up for a retail flip.

While he goes to look at the property and close the deal, I make sure the leads are coming in and try to set up a softball for him when talking with the client. 

Most importantly, look to setup systems. However you might be involved in the transaction don't look to do ALL of the work, find ways to split the work to increase the volume capabilities.

@Xavier Mahoney, I've had a rental for a couple of years, sold it, tried to find another, but pivoted towards wholesaling a couple of months ago. I've made this change to beef up my lead generating ability, in order to, find the optimal deals. I preface with this, as I'm still new to wholesaling myself.

I know one glaring question I have: what's the cost of rehab and repairs to get the ARV back to where you think it could be?

Also, is this an area people are buying in?

Finally, is this property not already listed on MLS or with an REO website? Generally, I've found anything that is already foreclosed is also listed for sale somewhere. If it's already listed, you may have a hard time getting a fee for it.

If you already know an end-buyer you could, however, point them to this property and collect a lead-based fee.

@Kirk Calhoon, very nice looking property. Glad to see the NE is getting some love these days and hope to see it roll through the rest of the east side. It sounds like you've got a plan with this property and for the next; how do you find most of your leads?