All Forum Posts by: Jeff Mikos

I'd like to build a database (i.e. Google worksheet) with 6 months of sales history for a large area in NW Illinois. I can search on Redfin and it results in almost 15k results. Their download feature only allows for 500 results or less. I contacted their customer service and they informed me that any search results over 500 wouldn't be able to be downloaded and that I needed to narrow my focus.  Instead of 30+ spreadsheets with 500 previous sales each I of course would prefer a single large sheet.

Without engaging a realtor or having access to the MLS, is this possible? I have been on a handful of sites where I can replicate the search results but no luck with the ability to download a file.

Thanks in advance for reading and replying.

Jeffrey

Great thread. I'd love to hear if @Matt Ellis decided to pull the trigger - and if so, which company and how has it panned out.

I'm conducting my due diligence on all things lead-generation (lists, yellow letters, fliers, 1-800 #s, etc..) and of course online and mobile lead generation is a part of that.

In my previous life I worked for large retail companies within their e-commerce department. A consistent multi-channel message was a must. There simply was not the option to just do an online marketing campaign or just an in-store marketing campaign. One of the frustrating aspects to having similar messages all over the place was it became difficult to pinpoint where exactly did we first "touch" the customer. Sure maybe they bought product in the store or online or maybe both. But we couldn't - at least effectively - tell when and where they first received that message.

What I am wondering, for those that have had success with either LP or OC, what other marketing efforts are happening at the same time? Does all of your collateral point back to the website? Have you tested different campaigns with different URLs to see response rates from both off & online efforts?

I'm looking forward to all responses and appreciate the time to read & reply.

Jeffrey

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to pop a post out there saying hello. I have been a member (read: lurker & podcast listener) for a year or so. 

Recently I have taken time from my corporate job to travel South America. My wife and I are migrating back north to the US of A as I type this. We're not extremely seasoned real estate investors by any means. We have a SFH in the Grayslake/Gurnee area of northern IL that we are currently renting. That is the extent of our investments today. However, we have surrounded ourselves (mostly on accident) with friends and family who are much more involved. Their passion and enthusiasm has motivated us to pursue real estate investment much more seriously.

While I have everyone's attention I suppose now is a good time to share what our next steps are and how the community of Bigger Pockets could help. 

We feel really good about our financial situation (cash, equity, credit score, income), our "readiness" (we are ready to jump in) and our strategy (buy & flip and/or buy & hold SFH in the market we're currently in). What we do not have is a great method to find deals - arguably the most important and difficult. Most of the wholesalers in the Chicago area (that I have found) operate on the city's south side - where I have no interest. If you are a wholesaler working in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago (even as west as Hampshire) I'd love to connect and learn more about your business.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. 

Cheers & Happy Friday :)

Jeffrey

@Joel Owensundefined - Thank you for the feedback.  Makes complete sense. When you mentioned there are plenty of investors with financing lined up is that a product of the investor(s) having an already established relationship with banks/financiers who are giving them a green light based on prior deals?  Ie..do investors, with say 25% down, really line up financing for the remaining 75% of the purchase price prior to locating the property? Or is it more likely that financing is "lined up" when the property is identified. 

Thanks again for taking time to respond. Appreciate any feedback.

Jeff

How much upfront financing work was completed for your first multi million dollar deal? Do banks even care to discuss based solely on your desired property stats? How important is it to have an all-star management/investment team? For larger purchases, $1M+, what would you expect to be the minimum down payment needed? 

The financing portion of purchasing a large apartment complex is, for me, the piece I am struggling with the most. I am currently traveling long term out of the country and would to get a feel of how much work I can do abroad vs needing to be live and in-person.

Thanks in advance to all the experienced RE investors out there who will take the time to read and reply, it is very much appreciated. Jeff