@Larry N. Online man. I almost feel like i get TOO MANY leads online, if thats even possible. Obvi, I will never stop direct mail because it's the most targeted way to get and close deals (just advertise for EXACTLY what your buyers are looking for - it's the EASIEST money) but I sure as heck don't focus on it like I used to.
I used to say "bleh I dont want to waste my time on a website cos that takes foreeeever to optimize in order to start getting leads" but WHOA was I sadly mistaken or what. Google mixed with Bigger Pockets mixed with PPC (how expensive your PPC will be depends a lot on your area - and a lot of other stuff but mainly your area) mixed with random targeted blog posts that include multiple optimized pics and signup forms - if done right the first time with FOCUSED EFFORT and the right foundation - can start bringing you legit serious leads within 2 weeks. Check out cody sperbers site (i think thats how you spell it) he has some solid gold goodies. Also theres a guy here on BP that literally every forum post response is talking about how you gotta get a site blah blah which i used to think was kind of annoying until i finally checked out his blog and realized he was talking TRUTH along with TONS of solid gold too. Plus he SEO's for a pretty reasonable price, if i remember correctly. I'll link him when i find it.
The only semi-issue with my online leads, personally, is it's kind of tricky on account of 90% of the leads are out of state. If you can master how to close out of state deals (aka virtual wholesaling) you will be quote unquote RICH within weeks (that last 'rich within weeks' comment was an exaggeration, but SO not far from the truth). Online leads are the easiest leads to put under contract for me.
Tip: (compliments of a fellow successful virtual wholesaler, Eric Felix from Cali) You should "partner" with JV WHOLESALERS from other states to help you COMP/PRICE AND SELL your deals in other states until you can build up a quality buyers list cos what looks like a $55k ARV might really be a 28k ARV and you don't want to look crazy in front of a potential REAL/LEGIT cash buyer. Not a good look. Networking is your best friend with those types of deals. Lately, what ive been doing when i get a lead that looks good from the outside is look for a few cash buyers in that area and I simply send them the details of the lead and they tell me how much exactly they will pay so i know where i need to be and i'd have a guaranteed sale after i get it under contract.
Oh, and also use WEGOLOOK to get photos and video of your new deal. Costs like $120 but its worth it. Treat your wholesale business like a professional business and you will reap the profits of a business.
Clearly i can go on and on with this online lead thing. Trust me when i say: go get a website with investor carrot, man. Today.
And for those of you familiar with content/posts/page optimization, i have one word: spin tags
::drops mic::