By and large best treatment...direct pressure, as you did. 

You might be able to drive for dollars and work the phones enough to turn up a few deals, but if you need substantial volume to generate startup cash, you're probably going to have to pay for direct mail or other marketing techniques.

If so, what keeps the buyer from going to the seller directly?

Professional photos, 3D scan, SEO presence and experienced agents that are paid based on your customer service experience is what I'd look for..paying someone for any level of service just doesn't seem like a good investment to me.I would also question the ethics of any brokerage/agent that bad mouth's or publicly makes false statements about another brokerage in direct violation of National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics (low paid, inexperienced agents)  I guess some folks feel a need to tear someone down to build themselves up!

Always appreciate any direction. 

That’s interesting you do no direct mail marketing.  

Shoot me a message so we can talk, even pointing me in the right direction of people I can connect w/ in that area would be greatly appreciated!  

Shoot me a message so we can talk, even pointing me in the right direction of people I can connect w/ in that area would be greatly appreciated!

Just pick one, and get started.As you grow your experience, network, and wealth, you could go in any or all of these directions.

Something to know BEFORE creating a contract for sure.Just saw a video of young couple who bought SFH in North fL; principle and interest was 460 or 560 / mo ; so that was affordable but then because they were financing the property there was additional unexpected 100. / mo flood insurance.