Seeking advice after a full year of trying with no sales

[Sam Whisman]

Dear Forum members, 

I was always taught that when you need help, you should swallow your pride and ask humbly for it. This is why I am here.

My name is Sam and I am a recently divorced single dad and money is very tight. I have always wanted to get into wholesaling real estate and I have worked very hard for an entire year to make that happen. Regrettably, after a year and a whole bunch of money down the drain, I haven't made one single deal. 

Here's what I have done: I have bought several systems to generate leads, put up tons of bandit signs, did a consistent 3 to 6 weeks of direct mailing, bought lists from melissadata for leads, gone to real estate agent meetings, used Zillow for leads, craigslist, listserv, etc. You name it, I've tried it. 

Here's is what I am willing to do: I am well educated and I have no ego. I am willing to learn, put in the work, invest the time and take the right criticism to make this happen. This is a passion for me and I am at my wits end trying to do it on my own. I was told by a realtor that this was the place to come beg for help, so I am here and I really really hope someone can help me make a deal and keep the lights on and food on the table for my kids. 

 I'm on the verge of just giving up. In the meantime, I will be watching all the videos and reading all the posts on here to further education myself.

Many thanks for your patience and consideration.

Sam

[Melissa Kirchhoff]

@Sam Whisman - Have you tracked all your numbers? To me, that's the biggest thing. (And I know you said nothing, but like how many leads have you gotten from different sources, that's something to pursue.) I make a valiant attempt and track results, if it's not working, then move along. But also, on the flip side, maybe you didn't do it enough, I think there is a learning curve. I've gotten much better at following up on leads and understanding how to really make the most of them, so give yourself some time on those -- and I do think the key is *calling* IMMEDIATELY (then maybe texting or emailing and let the person respond back in the way they prefer) but there's weird things like that.

So for example, maybe you're getting tons of sign leads, but then you can't convert them, now some may just be the people, but maybe you should keep the signs and have two tactics for trying to convert. Track and see which has better success rate, if at all.

Or maybe you can call someone else up that you know is doing it successfully in a different area and learn from them? Or maybe, there's just something else you are meant to be doing (maybe still something similar, but not wholesaling exactly)?

Also, in the end, remember Gladwell's 10,000 hours thing. At the end of the day that's what keeps me going. It's going to take some time to figure it out. Or get a side job to make money while doing this, I think once you aren't desperate for money or to get deals going, that's when they come! Good luck!