All Forum Posts by: Stephen Rockwell

 Well said Cory! Just look at how "money" has changed over the last 30 years and THINK how it's going to evolve??? I was buying ETH heavy when there was blood in the streets last December. Some say "Gambling" all I know is that I'm having fun. As far as crypto rent payments? Depends, do you want to "Gamble" your rent payments? I personally like to see the rent direct deposited into my USA BANK account : )

Always have properties coming and going.  Just sent you a message! Thanks.

Hello... Yes, "old school" all day long but I like it! This type of eyeball time face to face networking has been my most successful method too. In this day and age people hide behind phone, text, and email all too often. Social skills are rapidly declining in this country in my opinion. For myself, getting in front of people talking and actively listening is something I love to do. I've heard several statistics stating that investors get deeper discounts in front of people vs trying to phone negotiate the deal. (Makes sense to me!) 

Thanks for sharing and I appreciate it!

Stephen Rockwell

Good luck brother! Like anything, it has its ups and downs. I've been self-employed my entire life so for me I don't know any other way. Yes, in a lot of respects I am "livin the dream" as real estate has given me a lot back in my life. This year will be my best ever as a 5-year land development/subdivision project of mine is closing very soon. I always tell people DON'T quit your day job until you have your ducks in a row. Educating yourself in anything you do is key, become obsessed and don't settle good when great can be obtained. (Good is the cancer of Great) Fail, fall, crash and burn your way to the top. I love when people to tell me "you can't do that" as that is a sign there is a golden opportunity as most people think the same.

I am asking a lot of investors what is working for them. Over the last month, I'm getting a mixed number of responses. However, I'm starting to see a trend in replies. My goal is to narrow down to a few key marketing strategies, learn all I can, hire pros where I need to and trial/error/refine/perfect.

Good luck again brother and thanks for the reply! 

Stephen Rockwell

Hey, Steven thanks for the reply! LOL!

I've been the game for a long time in many areas of real estate. The fix and flip leg of my business is going great and I keep several going at one time all year around. I wholesale when I'm too busy or when a property does not fit my business model. I enjoy the fast payday and low-stress cash sale.

My whole motivation to my question is to create more deals and super cherry pick my fix and flips then keep wholesaling the rest.

Hang in there Steven the replies are coming!!!!!

Hello all! Well, I will keep it simple. I'm a 20-year full-time investor with a lot of experience. I'm working towards scaling up my business in Arizona, the most competitive market in the country. I am strongly considering dropping my Old School marketing and move on to the New School marketing that is working today. 

In the past, I was doing direct mail, bandit signs and massive networking to drive my business. All worked great. However, things are a little different in 2019. My networking and 20-year client base generate a healthy flow of quality leads every month. I am currently building out my online presence and making substantial progress. I plan to phase out direct mail and bandit signs hopefully soon, as they are flooded with competition and not as effective as they once were. Instead, I would like to invest my time and money into what is working now to generate Motivated Seller Leads.

So I am asking all my fellow investors out there what are your top one, two or three sources to generate Motivated Seller Leads in today's market?

Truly appreciate a few pros out there making things happen in their business to chime in and share some wisdom!

That can be answered a few different ways as I'm sure everyone will have a different opinion. I will answer you directly as I can without giving legal advice. But first, if you are going to flip houses you need to be all in as Arizona is a competitive market. Therefore, education FIRST to get the fundamentals and learn the real estate language. When you are investing your time, actively marketing and pursuing leads, you will NEED to know what steps it takes to convert the leads into deals and paydays.

Now, with that said let me answer your question. You can do these several different ways. However, I like to operate and have a level of protection by using entities such as C-Corporation, S-Corporation, LLC, Etc. I also use Trusts along with an LLC on my long term holds. You could do things in your name or set up a Sole proprietorship with a DBA, but that would be a choice you need to make. The LLC has substantial advantages for flipping, but again that's my opinion.

Best advice do your homework and learn as much as you can, be a human sponge and soak up every ounce of knowledge you can. Then work hard generating leads and getting that first payday. After that it all becomes real. Fail and get back up but keep moving; it's worth it. (Really worth it!) So regarding the LLC there a place in Tempe called "Why Pay a Lawyer?" $385 they will do everything to set you up when you are ready.

Hope that helps and good luck!

Welcome... I set up an LLC last month $385 for everything. However, I am in Arizona and not sure what the costs/legalities are in your state. Google to find local services that provide the service of setting up LLCs. I'm sure there are people paying to advertise that service in your area.

Regarding the debt do yourself a big favor and study up on Dave Ramsey. His debt system is bulletproof and works. Discipline is key to both debt reducing and wealth building. Get a free audible.com account and check out Dave Ramsey. Those skills will serve you a lifetime.(Listen and Learn)

Have a great day!

Hey Terrance! Sounds like you got the right attitude and the desire to better your life. I have been self-employed for 30 years / 20 in real estate. I am a huge fan of trying new things and then getting laser-focused on the things you enjoy doing the most. Where there is passion great things can be achieved. I highly suggest always reverse engineering your ideas and look at the time-value-money vs payoffs. 

There are only so many hours in the day so you must make them count. Also with that said, I will give you another solid piece of advice. If you are a construction worker, skilled tradesmen, handyman, etc do yourself a HUGE favor and guard your time. People that have your skills tend to be on everyone's speed dial and you will end up consuming your time fixing other peoples problems instead of building your dreams.   I'm not saying don't help people but just be careful you don't end up playing Superman fixing everyone's problems. Learn to say NO. Again learn to say NO.

Work hard, stay focused, keep learning and try new things. Rinse and Repeat.