Do you think a female voice responding to direct mail letters gets more or less offers to come visit the property / continue the conversation?

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We are also considering making an offer on a house that will be a live in rehab but will also be a conversion from a single family to a triplex. 

Any help to start the conversation is appreciated.

They either close or lose their EMD.For big projects, like condo conversions or apartment bldg. purchases, we do allow buyers an  inspection period clause in the contract.

Any advice on how to handle this conversation and what a potential lender is looking for would be great.

You don't know that, didn't let his gruff initial conversation run you off, and now you've had a nice chat with him again.I'd make it a point to call him every month or two, just to say hello.

We were discussing some of these same things over at:Zoning/ADU advice in Seattle on the BiggerPockets forumshttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/396578-zoning-adu-advice-in-seattleYou may find the conversation and links helpful there.

It has helped my company quite a bit in the beginning to manage who we are talking to, what our last conversations were, sending out mass emails, etc.

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