Advice on entering the wholesaling world full time

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Advice on entering the wholesaling world full time

Joseph KirkPro Member
Member since 2023 · 41 posts · 17 votes

Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

My thoughts:

-I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

- I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

- I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

- Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

  1. the most efficient software to use
  2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
  3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?
1Reply
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Most Popular Reply

Don KonipolBusiness Member
Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Joseph Kirk:

Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

My thoughts:

-I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

- I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

- I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

- Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

  1. the most efficient software to use
  2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
  3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?
Here’s my take both specific to you and in general (in no particular order) 

1. You are entering a full time business - not “investing”.  Entrepreneurial, managerial, technical, and operating experience, knowledge and talent is paramount for a successful small business. 

2. You have not mentioned INBOUND Marketing as one of your marketing strategies.  The absolute best lead quality is someone who contacts you directly.  SEO for your website / landing page leading to a first page GOOGLE search result based on gearing toward a very narrow specialized niche.

3. The above supplemented with pay per click advertising program to generate sellers meeting your parameters, in other words QUALIFIED leads.

4. Capitalization - the successful wholesalers I know spend $10k per month on marketing.  They tell me anything less doesn’t allow them to obtain “critical mass”.  Since it will probably take minimum of 6 months before approaching break even, and you’ll need to pay up from for website design, initial SEO, etc., you would need at least $75k capital (some of which will remain in reserve as a “cushion”) to have a decent shot at success.  The people I know who attempted to “bootstrap” there way into wholesaling ( in the last 10 years) ended up either quitting in total failure or working two years for about $5 / hour and creating nothing of value.  

5.  Although wholesaling is a business, there is no typical business “exit strategy” as I know of no wholesaling businesses that were sold for anything close to what another type business would sell for. 

Private Mortgage Financing Partners, LLC
WebsiteView Page
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  • Ricardo R.Pro Member
    Property Manager · Michigan Ctr, MI · Member since 2016 · 663 posts · 581 votes
    1y

    Hey Joseph,

    Sounds like you’re right at that point where you’ve proven to yourself it works, now you’re just trying to scale without wasting money or burning out — been there.

    Here’s how I’d structure it:

    1. Start lean and dialed-in before adding tools.
    Propstream’s fine for pulling lists — keep it for now. If you add REIsimpli, that can cover your CRM, pipeline tracking, skip tracing, and dialing (their built-in dialer’s solid). No need to juggle 5 platforms when you’re still refining your process. Simplicity = consistency.

    2. Hire your VA after you’ve built the system.
    You want to hand them a repeatable process, not chaos. Spend a week or two creating a simple SOP — what lists to pull, when to call, what data to record, and how follow-ups work. Once that's dialed, a VA can actually multiply your effort instead of doubling your confusion.

    3. Direct mail & texting — don’t overcomplicate it yet.
    Both work, but they burn cash fast if your follow-up game isn’t tight. Cold calls + SMS are a good tag team to start. Direct mail is great once you’ve got data showing which lists actually respond.

    4. Focus on the foundation, not the shiny stuff.
    The biggest mistake new wholesalers make is spending too much on tech and too little on conversations. Whether you’re using Mojo, REIsimpli, or a phone and spreadsheet, it all comes down to talking to motivated sellers every day and building a follow-up pipeline.

    If you’re doing it full time:
    Your daily non-negotiables are:

    • 2–3 hours of lead gen (calls/texts)

    • 1 hour of follow-up

    • 30 minutes of pipeline review/CRM cleanup

    That’s how deals get done. Don’t let “software setup” eat your hustle time.

    My advice: keep it simple, master one channel, then layer others. REIsimpli + Propstream + a single VA is a solid, focused start; Joseph I really hope this helps you on your way a bit, I sent you a DM on BP... it's one of the reason I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you.

    [email protected]810-844-1104
    2Reply
    • Justin Miret
      Member since 2024 · 1 post · 1 vote
      1y
      Quote from @Ricardo R.:

      Hey Joseph,

      Sounds like you’re right at that point where you’ve proven to yourself it works, now you’re just trying to scale without wasting money or burning out — been there.

      Here’s how I’d structure it:

      1. Start lean and dialed-in before adding tools.
      Propstream’s fine for pulling lists — keep it for now. If you add REIsimpli, that can cover your CRM, pipeline tracking, skip tracing, and dialing (their built-in dialer’s solid). No need to juggle 5 platforms when you’re still refining your process. Simplicity = consistency.

      2. Hire your VA after you’ve built the system.
      You want to hand them a repeatable process, not chaos. Spend a week or two creating a simple SOP — what lists to pull, when to call, what data to record, and how follow-ups work. Once that's dialed, a VA can actually multiply your effort instead of doubling your confusion.

      3. Direct mail & texting — don’t overcomplicate it yet.
      Both work, but they burn cash fast if your follow-up game isn’t tight. Cold calls + SMS are a good tag team to start. Direct mail is great once you’ve got data showing which lists actually respond.

      4. Focus on the foundation, not the shiny stuff.
      The biggest mistake new wholesalers make is spending too much on tech and too little on conversations. Whether you’re using Mojo, REIsimpli, or a phone and spreadsheet, it all comes down to talking to motivated sellers every day and building a follow-up pipeline.

      If you’re doing it full time:
      Your daily non-negotiables are:

      • 2–3 hours of lead gen (calls/texts)

      • 1 hour of follow-up

      • 30 minutes of pipeline review/CRM cleanup

      That’s how deals get done. Don’t let “software setup” eat your hustle time.

      My advice: keep it simple, master one channel, then layer others. REIsimpli + Propstream + a single VA is a solid, focused start; Joseph I really hope this helps you on your way a bit, I sent you a DM on BP... it's one of the reason I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you.


       Really appreciate this response! I'm starting my wholesaler journey now too (coming from 10 years in residential real estate sales and burnt out from it). 

      I'm on the fence about if I should do the cold calls myself for the first month or so if for nothing else to understand the customers better or if I should start out with a VA. What do you think?

      Budget isn't really an issue and the plan would never be to do them myself long term but I remember with residential the way I learned best was to just immerse myself in the process then once I understood it, I'd hire myself out of it.

      1Reply
  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Joseph Kirk:

    Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

    My thoughts:

    -I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

    - I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

    - I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

    - Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

    I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

    I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

    1. the most efficient software to use
    2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
    3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?

    Know the rules for the places you want to wholesale. In the last year or two, several have added requirements such as being an agent or giving proper disclosures. These are not tough rules but they are necessary to follow. 

    Don't get distracted by how you set up your operation. That will evolve over time anyway. You need to ick up the phone and talk directly to people yourself. You have to learn the questions they ask, the answers you'll proved and the situations you will run in to. Yes, you will get a lot of uninterested people and you'll get whackos, it's part of the game.

    You need to learn what makes a good deal, otherwise you are just wasting your time.

    0Reply
  • Don KonipolBusiness Member
    Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Joseph Kirk:

    Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

    My thoughts:

    -I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

    - I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

    - I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

    - Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

    I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

    I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

    1. the most efficient software to use
    2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
    3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?
    Here’s my take both specific to you and in general (in no particular order) 

    1. You are entering a full time business - not “investing”.  Entrepreneurial, managerial, technical, and operating experience, knowledge and talent is paramount for a successful small business. 

    2. You have not mentioned INBOUND Marketing as one of your marketing strategies.  The absolute best lead quality is someone who contacts you directly.  SEO for your website / landing page leading to a first page GOOGLE search result based on gearing toward a very narrow specialized niche.

    3. The above supplemented with pay per click advertising program to generate sellers meeting your parameters, in other words QUALIFIED leads.

    4. Capitalization - the successful wholesalers I know spend $10k per month on marketing.  They tell me anything less doesn’t allow them to obtain “critical mass”.  Since it will probably take minimum of 6 months before approaching break even, and you’ll need to pay up from for website design, initial SEO, etc., you would need at least $75k capital (some of which will remain in reserve as a “cushion”) to have a decent shot at success.  The people I know who attempted to “bootstrap” there way into wholesaling ( in the last 10 years) ended up either quitting in total failure or working two years for about $5 / hour and creating nothing of value.  

    5.  Although wholesaling is a business, there is no typical business “exit strategy” as I know of no wholesaling businesses that were sold for anything close to what another type business would sell for. 

    Private Mortgage Financing Partners, LLC
    WebsiteView Page
    2Reply
  • William ThompsonPro Member
    Accountant · Williamstown, NJ · Member since 2025 · 344 posts · 182 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Joseph Kirk:

    Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

    My thoughts:

    -I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

    - I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

    - I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

    - Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

    I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

    I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

    1. the most efficient software to use
    2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
    3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?

    You’re actually off to a strong start — most people jump into wholesaling without even thinking about systems or workflow, so you’re already ahead of the curve. 

    Here’s how I’d look at it from both a business and tax-efficiency standpoint (since I work with a lot of wholesalers and flippers):

    You’ve nailed the basic setup — PropStream for pulling lists is solid, and REIsimpli is a great all-in-one CRM/dialer option, especially if you want to stay lean and avoid app overload. Keeping everything in one ecosystem will save you hours of headaches and help you track KPIs that matter (contact rate, lead-to-close ratio, etc.).

    From a scaling standpoint — hiring one VA to handle your cold calling and lead tracking is smart. Just make sure you build clear daily metrics and a quick pipeline check-in each week.

    On the tax side (something a lot of wholesalers overlook early on): once you start earning consistently, structure your business properly — setting up an LLC taxed as an S-Corp can save you thousands in self-employment tax. You'll also be able to write off your VA, software, marketing, and even part of your workspace.

    Looks like you’re treating this like a real business — that’s the difference between someone hustling deals and someone building long-term freedom.

    Are you planning to keep everything virtual for now, or eventually build a local acquisitions team too?

    [email protected]609-820-0891
    0Reply
  • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
    Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    1. I would cold call yourself first and get really good at it. The challenge is if you have a VA do it and they are running calls and communicating, you do not know how to coach them as good as you would if you have been there done that situation. This is the best style of leadership, been there and done the type of thing you want other people to do (at least to have an awareness of it, or when you are starting out). Sales is the cornerstone of what you want to be great at in wholesaling then building the business from there.

    2. The best CRM is the one you use, I have heard that for many years and it is true. The agents on my team that do not use our CRM are the ones that have lower numbers. The ones that use the CRM are the ones that have better numbers and better conversions. 

    3. Proper order, getting a list, and cold calling is the lowest cost way. Then building to paying a VA to cold call and you cold calling is the second level up. As you grow your budget I would bring in paid marketing i.e. PPC/PPL. As you get bigger and grow you can bring in a leads manager and an acquisition agent for your team and so on.

    The McKernan Group4.957 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Chris Bounds
    Investor · Sugar Land, TX · Member since 2012 · 554 posts · 232 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Joseph Kirk:

    Hi everyone, im looking to take wholesaling seriously and become my main stream of income. Over the past month or so, i'd occasionally cold call by myself, with the only paid software of propstream. I'd export lists, look up the numbers, and call on my phone. At this point, im looking to do this full time and 100x more efficiently.

    My thoughts:

    -I want to hire 1 VA for cold calling and tracking everything and whatnot.

    - I want to keep propstream for specifically pulling lists (i think?)

    - I want to get REIsimpli for CRM and use that for staying organized and also considering using their dialer, instead of something like Mojo Dialer so its all on the same platform?

    - Would also like to do direct mail, and even text message campaigns. Not sure what software but ideally would like to use a total of 2-3 softwares so im not all over the place.

    I feel like im at least slightly knowledgeable with this, but I'm just lost on how to go about it all and get started with the proper steps and software.

    I would really appreciate it if anyone who's currently successful in the industry could give me some pointers on:

    1. the most efficient software to use
    2. the proper order to go about all this, if there even is a proper order?
    3. If im thinking about this properly or if im missing something?

    Joseph, as the creator & founder I'm biased, but I'd recommend looking into Pathwaize.

    REsimpli seems great, but to use it fully you'll have multiple add-on charges.

    Pathwaize is fully centralized, AI-powered sales & marketing CRM platform without the add-on charges. It comes with pre-designed workflow automations, AI agents, website & funnel templates, direct mail (with smart QR codes), phone & SMS, and 24/7 support.

    0Reply
  • Izaiah Barba
    Wholesaler · Portsmouth NH · Member since 2019 · 225 posts · 97 votes
    1y

    Joseph, that’s awesome that you’re looking to get into wholesaling!
    I do it full-time with my partner, and together we’ve built a seven-figure business. We started out using cold calling and texting as our main marketing channels, so I’m happy to help you there.
    I'd definitely suggest hiring a VA, since your time is best spent talking to people who are actually interested in selling rather than filtering through those who aren't. It's great that you're already using PropStream.I'd also recommend getting a CRM like you mentioned. We have experience with Resimpli as well so happy to send you a discount link. I believe it gets your first month 50% off.
    My main advice on your question is that I’d suggest sticking to one marketing channel at first, then slowly building from there. Feel free to shoot me a DM, and I can hop on a call to share what’s worked for us and help point you in the right direction.

    0Reply
  • Tracy Scott
    Specialist · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2025 · 41 posts · 9 votes
    11mo

    Solid plan so far, Joseph. One thing that helps new full-time wholesalers is keeping the process simple: start with one reliable list source, one dialer/CRM you actually use daily, and one marketing channel you can stay consistent with.

    A lot of people try to stack too many tools early and end up overwhelmed instead of effective.

    Curious — are you planning to focus mainly on cold calling, or are you trying to balance calling, texting, and mail from day one?

    0Reply
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