All Forum Posts by: Christopher Salazar

I import all my lists into Podio and store them there. I created a simple app where I track the lists I mailed, date, price, area, type of lead, etc. I use it as a schedule as well. I feel like there should be better ways to do this though, and I just haven't learned it. 

I would use Listsource as well. It's definitely worth the price of the list. 

Set up a Google Voice account and get a free local number. You can customize the voicemail message and it even records a text version of the incoming message for you to read. It's a great service. 

There are some contracts in the BP file place, however, I would have an attorney look them over just to stay on the safe side. I just have an out clause in my contract that pretty much says we will walk on the deal if my investment partner (cash buyer) doesn't agree with the purchase. 

As for the comps, I would use J Scott's guide to evaluating ARV which you can find on BP as well. As for marketing, create a flyer with a simple analysis and a few pictures and email blast your cash buyers. If it's truly a good deal, you should have no problem finding a buyer.

I have recently been targeting absentee owners for the most part and I just use Listsource.com. I also do a bit of driving for dollars in my free time and just look for boarded up houses or houses with posters on the windows. I look up the property on the county assessors website and send a letter to the owner. There are tons of ways to get qualified leads, just be persistent!

There are a lot of different opinions about this and what works best, but for me, I just keep it very simple. I say, "Hi you've reached Chris, please leave your property address and a good time to call, and I will be back with you as soon as possible. Thank you". Simple as that. 

I'm curious to know how much success people with a more drawn out voicemail have. I would imagine some people would hang up, but who knows?

With a small budget like that, it's very similar to how I started out. What I did was just max out one marketing channel and then once I could scale my business after I made some deals, and I put 15% of all revenues back into other marketing channels like a website, PPC ads, Facebook ads, etc. 

I would start with direct mail like you have. Dive right into those phone calls and start negotiating with sellers. Find those distressed properties and start making offers!

Hey guys, 

I'm a wholesaler in the Chicagoland and Quad City areas marketing to a ton of sellers. If you would like me to send you some deals, please just leave your email and I'll add you to the list. Thanks!

Not sure on the first questions but I will give you a comment on the second. On average (and depending on your market of course), for every 25 leads of motivated sellers that you get, you will get 1 deal out of that. If you get a 10% response rate, you will likely be in good shape.

But you are already a step ahead of a good number of people who are too afraid to take action, so that's great. I think that every 3 weeks for 6 months is a bit excessive though and you might be wasting some money. I usually do every 2 months and I follow up with a post card. Obviously, you'll have to test out what works best in your market, but that's my 2 cents!

I am facing somewhat of the same issue except I don't really see it as discouraging. I think of it as a benchmark for what I will be in the future. That being said, there are tons of ways to build your personal brand and set yourself apart from those big companies. 

Being personable and mastering negotiation skills can set you apart and help you close deals that the big guys couldn't. People enjoy being genuinely appreciated. If you make a seller feel important and can deliver on your promises on all cash and a quick close, then absolutely you can compete with the big guys. 

If the seller objects your offer or wants to go with the big name investor, make them understand why they should be doing business with you. Know how to field their objections.