All Forum Posts by: Samuel Shostek

Bob,

Appreciate the peek into your daily grind and your philosophy on working smart—not hard. It's clear your approach is dialed in, yielding the kind of success many aspire to. The simplicity in your method underscores a vital point: the essence of real estate isn't in perpetual preparation but in taking decisive, informed actions.

Your observations hit home—there's a sea of self-proclaimed experts, and the paralysis by analysis is real. The quest for the perfect "Power Team" or the endless consumption of content without action is where potential success fades into the background noise.

This underscores the exact issue we're addressing. It's not about adding more noise; it's about creating a direct, efficient pathway for those ready to move from planning to doing. A platform where finding a reliable property manager or connecting with a cash buyer isn't about sifting through countless forums or dodging spam in groups. It's about genuine connections leading to real deals, fast.

We're building something that aligns more with your ethos than you might think—cutting through the clutter to make the smart work easier for everyone involved. If we can shift even a fraction of the industry from spinning wheels to actual movement, that's a win in our book.

Thanks for the well wishes, Bob. The respect is mutual, and here's to both our ventures navigating the tides ahead.

Hi Tim,

Let's cut through the noise here. The landscape of tools like Facebook, BP, and LinkedIn is vast, yet here we are, still identifying a gap in real estate networking. The trust and credibility crucial in our industry are undermined by the volume of scams and the lack of genuine connections on these platforms. That's precisely the void we're aiming to fill. Our vetted network isn't just a feature; it's the foundation, ensuring every member is a credible, serious investor. This isn't about adding to the pile; it's about refining the clutter into something that genuinely serves our industry's needs.

Regarding the action people take and the systems in place, there's a disconnect. Sure, people are doing things, but the existing systems are like old bridges barely holding up. Have you tried finding a qualified cash buyer or a dependable property manager across state lines through these platforms? It's a process filled with more misses than hits. Efficiency is key, and that's where we're steering this ship.

Your mention of the chicken and egg scenario had its charm, no doubt. But let's be real: if Bob can hit a metaphorical button for deals, why limit that capability? Our aim is to democratize that 'button,' so to speak, making it accessible for every investor on our platform. Networking and investing are two sides of the same coin, not separate entities. Bob's success through networking is the very essence we're encapsulating—making meaningful connections that directly lead to tangible outcomes.

And as for solving the problem, innovation doesn't stop because we've got something that works okay. The Model-T was groundbreaking, but the automotive industry didn't stop there. LinkedIn carved a niche in a Facebook-dominated world because it offered something different, something better for professional networking. Our platform is poised to do the same for real estate investing. By focusing on user experience, vetted connections, and direct pathways to action, we're crafting a space where efficiency isn't just a buzzword—it's the norm.

We're not just building a network; we're enhancing the way investing happens by making it more accessible, more credible, and ultimately, more successful for everyone involved. That's our commitment, and that's the direction we're headed.

Wow, 5 SFs and a MF in two weeks? That's some heavy lifting, even by high standards. Hats off to you. It’s evident your work ethic and network are on fire. The whole "luck" thing, though? Couldn't agree more. It's about putting in the hours, making smart choices, and, yes, leveraging that network you've built.

You're right about the "hamster wheel" scenario many find themselves on. It’s exactly why we're stepping in with a new approach. Not everyone has the 'push-a-button' luxury for 20 deals, as you mentioned. That’s a rare position, and frankly, it’s awesome you're there.

But here’s the rub: while you’re killing it in the market, plenty are struggling to find their footing, not for lack of trying or working hard but because the right connections are just out of reach. Our aim? To shorten that reach for them, make those valuable connections more accessible, and maybe give them a shot at their version of 'pushing a button' for deals.

Appreciate the good luck wish for the system. We're not just hopeful; we're determined to make it work for those spinning their wheels, looking for a break, or just aiming to scale up like you have.

Keep crushing it, Bob.

Your track record with deals through referrals is genuinely impressive. However, considering the last two years' market changes and the increased saturation, I'm curious about your recent experiences. How have these industry shifts affected your deal flow, profit margins, and the quality of your connections?

The competitive nature of today's real estate market is undeniable. While your success is remarkable, it's essential to acknowledge that the path you've navigated with such skill and perhaps a touch of luck isn't universally replicable. Interestingly, without any paid marketing, our platform has attracted over 250 prelaunch sign-ups within a month, signaling a widespread search for fresh, effective networking solutions.

Given this context, where do you primarily forge these valuable connections now? Traditional platforms seem increasingly crammed with distractions, complicating the task of meaningful networking.

We aim to address these exact concerns. Our platform isn't about adding to the noise; it's about offering an efficient, targeted approach to overcome the modern challenges of real estate networking. The goal is to streamline the process of forming those essential connections that today's market demands.

Looking forward to your insights.

I understand where you're coming from, and your points resonate with many in the industry. The reality is, traditional forums and generic social media groups, like those on Facebook, have become increasingly cumbersome and less aligned with the rapid pace of today’s real estate market.

Forums, while rich in information, often present challenges in navigation and timeliness. They are not structured for quick, efficient exchanges, making it difficult for professionals needing immediate insights. The information is there, but finding it—and ensuring it's current—can be a significant hurdle.

Similarly, Facebook groups, despite their potential for connectivity, fall short for serious real estate investment discussions. The lack of specificity and vetting leads to a flood of spam and irrelevant content. The algorithmic nature of these platforms means vital information can easily be missed, and the casual tone doesn't always foster the level of professionalism we strive for.

The goal is to streamline how we connect and share knowledge, making every interaction as meaningful and efficient as possible. As the real estate landscape evolves, so too must the tools we use to navigate it, highlighting the need for a more tailored approach to professional networking.

Hi Bob,

Appreciate your candor. You're absolutely right; the digital age has made networking more accessible than ever. Yet, accessibility doesn't always equate to efficiency or quality. The challenge isn't in finding groups or forums—they're abundant—but in finding the right conversation at the right time with the right people. That’s where we step in.

The motive behind our platform is not financial gain from the community. In today's real estate networking and education landscape, we've seen an unfortunate trend: so-called "gurus" selling courses and events at high prices, promising unparalleled value but often delivering content that could be found elsewhere, most of the time even for free. This model not only perpetuates skepticism but also obscures the true essence of networking and learning in real estate—genuine connections, application of skills, and market knowledge.

Our initiative is born from recognizing this very gap—where real success in real estate is not about how much one can spend on courses or networking platforms but about the value of genuine, meaningful connections and the application of one's skills and market knowledge. We're moving away from the guru model that seeks to profit from aspirations by locking critical information behind paywalls.

Instead, we're fostering a community-driven platform where the focus is on quality over quantity. It's about:

• Curating Relevant Interactions: Filtering through the noise to ensure that discussions and connections are directly relevant to your goals in real estate.
• Ensuring Quality of Network: Prioritizing the caliber of connections over the sheer number, because meaningful relationships are what drive real progress.
• Streamlining the Process: Making every step from networking to deal closure as efficient as possible, which in turn maximizes your time and potential for success.

The reality is, the market has been tainted by course gurus, leading to a loss of hope and increasing skepticism. Our goal is to restore that hope by providing a space that values genuine connection and collective growth over profit. This isn't about reinventing the wheel; it's about refining it to better serve the needs of real estate professionals tired of the status quo.

I hope this gives you a clearer picture of our intent and direction. We're excited about what we're building and appreciate the feedback!

You've touched on a classic startup dilemma: the 'chicken and egg' problem. It's all about balancing the acquisition of new users with providing immediate value through an active community of experienced investors.

Our approach is multifaceted. Initially, we’re leveraging existing networks and partnerships to bring in seasoned investors who see the long-term value in what we’re building. By focusing on the quality of early adopters, rather than just quantity, we ensure that new members find a platform already populated with valuable connections.

We're also implementing a referral system that rewards our early users for bringing in their trusted contacts. This creates organic growth that maintains the integrity and quality of the network.

Parallel to this, strategic marketing and outreach efforts are underway to attract investors who are actively looking for a better networking solution. We’re positioning the platform as not just another tool, but as the go-to resource for serious real estate networking, emphasizing its value from day one.

The goal is to create an environment that's so inherently valuable that both 'chickens' and 'eggs'—new and established investors—see immediate and long-term benefits. With verified users, focused tools, and relevant connections, we're confident that the platform will grow into a self-sustaining ecosystem where real estate professionals thrive.

Hey Tim,

I appreciate your skepticism — with so many tools out there, it’s important to discern what’s truly valuable. The software I'm developing addresses the exact concerns you mentioned that are prevalent in existing platforms.

Think of it as a focused environment designed for efficiency and efficacy in real estate networking. It's not just another CRM or social network; it’s a solution for the clutter, spam, and the overwhelming volume of unqualified or irrelevant interactions that professionals like us often encounter.

The key issues with current options are well-known: the disorganization on social networks, the low response rates on professional platforms, the complicated navigation and mismatched intentions on real estate forums, and even the overpriced 'expert' communities that deliver little value. This platform is built to overcome these challenges by creating a space where:

• - Every interaction is intentional: With a thorough verification process, every member you encounter is a credible investor.
• - User experience is paramount: It’s designed to make finding and sharing investment opportunities as straightforward as possible.
• - Communication is relevant: Say goodbye to irrelevant messages and hello to connections that matter.
• - Accessibility for all: It aims to level the playing field, so whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, you have the same opportunity to succeed.

In essence, the focus is on creating a clutter-free, laser-focused network that values your time and investment, where the connections you make are as serious about real estate as you are.

I'm developing a software designed to simplify the networking process for real estate investors. If you're open to providing feedback or exploring potential partnerships, I'd love to connect.

Please feel free to comment or reach out for more details.

Excited to announce the launch of FREIpro.com – the innovative platform aimed at transforming the way real estate investors connect, share, and grow. FREIpro combines verified networking, advanced searching, and a secure environment into one intuitive platform.

We're seeking your insights to refine and enhance our software. Participants in our beta testing will be granted lifetime free access to FREIpro. Be aware that availability for beta testers is limited, ensuring that early adopters not only have the chance to help shape the development of FREIpro but also secure their position within an expanding network of forward-thinking real estate investors.

Please reach out if you have any questions or just want to connect!