:)Thank you for the detailed breakdown of your approach and especially for including the psychology behind each of the comments you make.

The psychology is - they think a website may just be a black hole or worse, their contact info will just be SOLD to a bunch of people (some pay per lead sites actually do exactly that).  

I learned sales in the insurance business and financial services sector, it's anchored more in psychology and responses than canned scripts like a telemarketer, I hate that.

Salesmanship is psychology and not a step by step function, it's an art.

However, on the psychological side, the thought of taking that money and using it for something that is new to me (although I am determined and committed) seems terrifying -- maybe just as terrifying as leaving it in the stock/bond market given that retirement is just around the corner.Let's assume, for the sake of discussion, I can be successful at finding a solid deal or two... any words of advice on using money from Solo/self-directed accounts?

They r really the only ones that can say whether it is worth the money.Not likely....basic buyer psychology...chances are after spending a significant amount of money they will try to self reassure that the money was well spent by telling others they got a great value.

The more I learn the less I know.As I designed my first batch of postcards (3000 of which will be going in the mail this Friday) I realized I knew very little about the psychology behind getting a consumer to pay attention to my message long enough to get it across.Can anyone recommend any good blogs/books/websites/online classes/audio books/mentors centered around direct mail?

took me 9 month to close my first deal (RENTAL) so only got 1 month rent for all my troubles.BUT having said that, that 9 month experience taught me a lot about the psychology of the buying/selling of homes.WE didn't have MLS and the such there, it was all cold calls and walk ins. driving around looking for "vacant" homes at nights.I got married and moved to the USA.I never felt the need to get one.

Seth Williams, simple human psychology.

I am starting REI along with my masters of counseling psychology in June!