From my observation, hard money lending seems to require more industry knowledge and deal volume than syndication passive investing - but I say that as a syndicator and passive syndication investor, without HML experience.For syndications, I like "What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow...

Sufficient volume - cover enough ground so you don't need to ask yourself if your lists are accurate, or if these sellers are motivated enough.

This will permit small volume callers to comply with DNC requirements of TSR (Telemarketing Sales Rules) without having to download potentially large lists of all registered telephone numbers within a particular area.What happens to companies that don’t pay for access to the registry?

Full disclosure I am a low volume "wholesaler" but I own another business, so I can't speak to what other people do.

I'm mailing these letters at half of the commercial cost (I'm mailing 1000 now, so I dont get bulk pricing), allowing me to get double the volume out for the same price and a bit of elbow grease.

If quit claim is key to your business model and we know most deals are more or less OK, then volume is key.

Personally, I would recommend reading the "Multifamily Millionaire" volume I.

Zillow dominates the search volume by prospective tenants.

Do you see it still as a viable strategy just with lower volume and profits? 

If you're going for volume, Pierce County is your Playground.