Saves me from having to deal with a broker, the NRA (or whatever the alphabet regs are called), listings that I get 3% on (even though I did 90-100% of the work to get it sold), dealing with sellers who think their house is worth more than it is and blaming you because there house isn't sold because they were stubborn on their asking price, dealing with buyers because you can't find that "perfect" house at their unreasonable price, investors who call you for comps without intending or means to buy the target house let alone a pack of gum, or want deals to assign and walk away because they can't close (happens to other wholesalers, too), or a number of headaches that I would have to take on being a licensed RE agent as well as an investor.Not sure if this helped anyone out, but I was chiming in with my opinion and observance of this long thread (I think this one should get an award).For grins and giggles, I'll be researching more about licensing and brokers in my area and State laws in Florida regarding RE investing.

I personally observed YL actively seeking to take new orders from people they believed to be new customers, after the supposed "shutdown".YellowLetters.com has now re-branded and they are answering phones again. 

As for mailing probates, I've never observed a postcard to pull, favoring campaign of letters in sequence, each with a timely theme that the reader would say"that's me" and motivates them to contact you whereby you convert (sell) them on the phone to take the next action step in your sales funnel.

I am going to go to some real estate auctions and just observe to see the process and if it's possible to get a good deal that way as well.

You can't save everyone.I told you this was a social site, how's that for an observation in sociology!  

Once the Court has made it's decision, and the big headache is gone, most Landlords go back to being pretty happy with their asset rather quickly.Your observations on timing and motivation are very astute, but I have found more than 3 touches to be a waste and accelerated mailing to be non productive, even harmful.One other note....I RARELY hit a home run with this list.

Hi @Michael Frankel In addition to hiring a new accountant, this might be the time to engage a real-estate-savvy bookkeeper as well.One of the important observations we made as we began to scale was that our accounting needs had grown into two separate functions.

The technician said he observed over 50 property owners try to remove lead paint from a brick wall, and only 2 were successful in getting all of it off without total wall reconstruction. 

If you are, I'd love the details.If it is just a showing of confidence; based on your experiences/observations, do you think they are as effective for sales agents as they are for individual investors?

To get there I know I have to better my skills and also observe and listen and WATCH the buyers.