Great post James. I'd say you're right on with the 5-9 months for someone just starting. If I remember right, I first spoke with you and Nick back in early February. Of course there's been a lot of learning, trial and error, and deals, leads and realtors that have fallen through since then.
So I'm heading into month number 6 since deciding to pursue this. I've had one file sent to James that unfortunately was just too close to the sale date, another that was a BofA that just wasn't worth the headache, and just sent a new file just this week. I was also talking with a friend last night and out of no where he told me about a guy that he works with that split with his wife and walked away from his home. I have a call scheduled with him tonight and hope to have it under contract and the file on James desk by the end of next week.
Because I work such a screwed up schedule, 12 hour shifts rotating days to nights, 7 days a week, I was able to find an awesome VA that was willing to work on commission only. She gets paid if I get paid. I get the leads together and she makes the majority of the calls. The contract that I signed this week was the result of a call she had made for me. She placed calls to 27 leads, was only able to speak to one personally, left 7 messages, and I was able to get one under contract. I wish they all could come that quickly and easily!
I'm sure things could've happened a little sooner, but at first I was waiting for the magic one to fall in my lap. I increased my efforts in getting quality leads, got the word out, hired a good VA to assist me and I'm now starting to see things falling into place.
And of course I've had dozens of calls and emails with James and Nick over the past few months. Thanks for all your help and encouragement along the way. You guys are awesome!
Kyle