All Forum Posts by: Austin Works

Thank you @Michael Quarles, this is very helpful. I've been considering utilizing some online marketing since a lot of it is lower cost, and some even free. I'm currently reaching out to landloards through Craigslist for lease options and rental property purchases. 

Thanks @Braden Smith, this is very helpful. Can give me an example of how far down you narrow your search criteria when building a list through an online platform like listsource.com? Any particular equity percentage, absentee owned exclusively, etc? What have you found to produce motivated seller leads in your area? I just don't want to waste a lot of money doing trial and error. 

I've searched through the blogs and forums, but I'm not finding what I'm looking for. To this point, I've only found deals through wholesalers and bank owned properties listed on the MLS. Since both of these methods have slowed down a good bit for me, I am looking to begin my own marketing campaign. I know direct mail is a great option for finding motivated sellers, but that's about all I know. Can anyone tell me exactly what criteria your building your mailing list on? I live in a low income city, so anyone finding success in a similar place would be extra helpful. Also, anyone finding any motivated sellers through social media?

I have had some success with these, but be prepared to constantly replace them, as they will typically only last a few days before someone pulls them. A lot of calls are stemmed from people going through divorce, in pre-foreclosure, etc, and many won't have the equity you're probably looking for, so you'll need to have other options to offer like sub2 or lease option to really benefit from the calls. 

@Dennis M., I agree with you 100% - but I've just been wondering if it's actually as dangerous as I make it seem in my mind. Clearly there are many investors doing this and I don't ever hear about any of them being shot or robbed. I recently purchased 2 rentals in this side of town and I haven't had any negative encounters so far, but I'm still testing the area to see how it goes. I did have an ac unit stolen and window busted out when one of the properties was vacant. 

@Derrick Kelley, thanks for all the help. I appreciate it. Let me know if you're ever looking to sell anything! We may cross paths at the local meetup someday. 

@Derrick Kelley, how are you collecting rent electronically?

I live in Monroe, LA, which has over 50% of residents below the poverty level. The rental neighborhoods are not safe in my opinion, and I have been reluctant to buy because this, which has really held back my growth. I know many investors in this area who buy in these neighborhoods, but I'm just not a fan. I am wondering if there are systems I could put in place to rarely have to actually go into these neighborhoods, if I were to buy? Anyone have experience buying in unsafe neighborhoods? Again, I'm not interested because of the great looking rent to purchase ratio, but it's what I'm working with in my market. I do have a few rentals and have flipped a few houses, but I should be far ahead of where I am by now. 

 Great thought, I am anxious to know this as well. Let me know if you find any info on this elsewhere!

 Gary, I actually don't buy in the "dangerous" areas of my town, but I do live in a dangerous city nonetheless. We made the list this year for most dangerous cities, per neighborhoodscout.com. I am actually not big on guns, but I've found myself wishing I had one at times when entering vacant houses.