Recipe for Wholesale Success (short and sweet)

Recipe for Wholesale Success (short and sweet)

Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes

Investment Info:

Single-family residence wholesale investment.

Purchase price: $186,000
Cash invested: $4,000
Sale price: $215,000

Purchased wholesale course for $1000. Followed course, and sent out mail to DFD (driving for dollars) list. After about 3 months of consistent action - (still working full time) - found motivated seller. Total costs: program, $1000, direct mail postcards $2500, miscellaneous system fees and gasoline. Put property under contract and marketed contract to cash buyers - Cash buyer property inspection, offers by end of week. Contract assigned for $29,000 and nearly 10x my investment!

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Gaining the knowledge to make money repeatedly is worth infinitely more than the actual cost and profit.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Direct mail. Seller called me after receiving postcard. I returned the call asap and talked to him about his situation and did not ask about price until I understood why he called.

How did you finance this deal?

The purchase was taken over by the investor and I did not finance anything.

How did you add value to the deal?

The seller needed to sell to solve a problem. I listened to understand the problem. I offered a solution that would benefit him. The contract price was a value to the investor who purchased it.

What was the outcome?

I now have an enlarged image of the check I received from the deal that I have altered. The signature was removed and that line is now in very fancy calligraphy text to display the word 'Persistence' to signify that persistence pays off for $28,323.66 and is hanging above my work space.

Lessons learned? Challenges?

Wholesaling is simple to understand, but that doesn't mean it's easy. It took me 3 months of spending all my free time during the summer when I wasn't working to be out driving for dollars and looking for houses that needed some love. I wanted to quit more than once when I would get a lead that would dissolve and not finalize, or when money started getting tight because of all the postcards and marketing that I was spending.

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Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2017 · 15 posts · 19 votes
6y

@Steve Morris

I understand @Thomas Burnett and his attorney may not have been completely aware of brokerage details in OR but there's no need to stomp all over his deal. He hustled and solved a problem for two parties. The seller may not have desired to deal with an agent along with the commissions and contingencies that go into a normal transaction and the investor was looking for a deal. 

Functionally, it's no different from any other investor looking for off-market deals or steals on the MLS. If a BRRRR investor sent out the same letter, talked to the same seller, and closed the deal themselves, would we be ostracizing them for this deal? Unlikely. We would be celebrating the hustle and determination.

Looking outside the legal ramifications, I feel like wholesalers serve a valuable purpose in the industry. They charge a fee for finding deals and there is nothing wrong with that. It's easy to say investors are more than capable of finding their own deals but we all know that's easier said than done. 

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  • Investor · Roseville, CA · Member since 2016 · 893 posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    Great story @Thomas Burnett, this is really inspiring to hear and love how you laid it out in a way that will inspire others who are on the fence to possibly give it a try!  Keep the momentum going and keep us posted on your next home run! 

    Cheers!

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Jon Crosby thanks for saying so. It's easy to let your inner voices talk you out of taking action. Fear of embarrassment.

    Self improvement requires you admit you're going to make mistakes, to feel the fear and do it anyway. It's the only way to learn that you can't die from embarrassment =)

  • Rental Property Investor · Oregon City, OR · Member since 2020 · 324 posts · 780 votes
    6y

    Beauty!

  • Rental Property Investor · Medford, MA · Member since 2016 · 288 posts · 171 votes
    6y

    @Thomas Burnett Thank you for sharing. Out of curiosity, what software are you using to manage your D4D? I'm trying out DealMachine, and while I actually quite like the interface, I think the sample templates they provide are garbage. Do you mind me asking what sort of flyers you're sending and what they look like? Great work!

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Fascinating, where did you find a $186K house in Portland at?

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Christian Nachtrieb I am using deal machine to track all of my actions and as a data base for all my leads, but I do not use their postcards. They're not cheap and the course I studied had a different provider. My suggestion is to do a little research on local print shops and call them up after finding a card that you like. Tell them what you're trying to do and about the style of postcard you want.

    You dont need anything fancy. One color postcard, one color ink, a simple message can be found anywhere. Also, I feel like anything over 40C per card with postage is too much.

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Steve Morris I found it driving for dollars friendo. I found it by taking action. I found it by solving a problem and being proactive. I found it by talking to people.

    You can't find what you're not looking for...

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    You can't find what you're not looking for...

    OK, so you're looking for someone doesn't know the value of their property and is willing to sell for 15% below market to an unnamed true buyer?

    Got it.

    I take it you're not a licensed broker in OR and expecting a fee for arranging the sale of real estate in OR?

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Steve Morris:

    You can't find what you're not looking for...

    OK, so you're looking for someone doesn't know the value of their property and is willing to sell for 15% below market to an unnamed true buyer?

    Got it.

    I take it you're not a licensed broker in OR and expecting a fee for arranging the sale of real estate in OR?

    Yup totally illegal in Oregon but who  cares.. right ??  LOL 

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    Hey, I'd love to have someone shut me up so I can be a bitter old man other places.

    Just give me the details and I'll ask the OR REA an opinion.

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Jay Hinrichs why do you say this is illegal? My attorney doesn't seem to think the same.. Im not selling a house for someone. Im not buying a house for another.

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Jay Hinrichs why do you say this is illegal? My attorney doesn't seem to think the same.. Im not selling a house for someone. Im not buying a house for another.

    Again, give me the details and I'll run it past the REA.

    Usually, to get a fee for arranging the sale of real estate without taking the title, you need a license in OR.

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Jay Hinrichs why do you say this is illegal? My attorney doesn't seem to think the same.. Im not selling a house for someone. Im not buying a house for another.

    Well most attorneys frankly are not up on license law.  They of course know contract law but the two are quite different.. 

    You may want to call the state  I did and here is the response I got when i sent in a e mail i received from a wholesaler that did not own the property and had no license.. and this wholesaler is NOW licensed.. I just wanted clarification because the gurus all teach what you did and you simply don't know what you don't know.  Now I don't want to be the pot calling the kettle back as we do a lot of as is distressed assets but we CLOSE on everything before we resell and I don't mean double close we actual close close  LOL.. 

    See below for yourself. 

    Hello Jay,

    Thank you for getting back to me. The advertising copy you attached to your email came out perfectly and will be very helpful. Thanks!

    The Agency is well aware that unlicensed “wholesalers” are rampant in our jurisdiction. Addressing the problems is like trying to put out small individual fires in a forest that is burning. The Agency’s investigations are complaint driven, so we rely heavily on the public, and our licensees to bring these individuals to our attention.

    Thank you again for the information, if I have further questions for you during the investigation I will certainly reach out.

    Best regards,

    Frances Hlawatsch | Financial Investigator

    State of Oregon - Real Estate Agency

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Steve Morris I am trying to help a seller out of a situation where they have tried to sell in the past, were unsuccessful and wanted to sell the house faster than what is possible through the retail side and having to wait for financing that may or may not have been possible in as is condition. The seller knew he was selling at a discount, but he thanked me many times through the process.

    I also explained exactly what my process is. Im a truthful person because when I start to try and make up a story, omit details or paint it in a different light, people can sense when youre being dishonest.

    I am a truth seeker and a truth teller.

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    I also explained exactly what my process is. Im a truthful person because when I start to try and make up a story, omit details or paint it in a different light, people can sense when youre being dishonest.

    I am a truth seeker and a truth teller.

    \OK, so you disclosed:

    1) You're not a licensed RE agent?

    2) You intend on putting ZERO in escrow so you can walk if you don't find a buyer?

    3) That when he signed the PSA that you had no clue who the true buyer would be if there was one?

    4) Since you sold it for 15% below market that you didn't do any kind of CMA?

    5) You had NO intention or means of taking title.

    Again, give me the address and details and let the REA decide.  

    They love truth seekers and tellers at the REA.

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Steve Morris:
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Jay Hinrichs why do you say this is illegal? My attorney doesn't seem to think the same.. Im not selling a house for someone. Im not buying a house for another.

    Again, give me the details and I'll run it past the REA.

    Usually, to get a fee for arranging the sale of real estate without taking the title, you need a license in OR.

    Steve I have done this ..  see what I got back from the commission

    Hello Jay,

    Thank you for getting back to me. The advertising copy you attached to your email came out perfectly and will be very helpful. Thanks!

    The Agency is well aware that unlicensed “wholesalers” are rampant in our jurisdiction. Addressing the problems is like trying to put out small individual fires in a forest that is burning. The Agency’s investigations are complaint driven, so we rely heavily on the public, and our licensees to bring these individuals to our attention.

    Thank you again for the information, if I have further questions for you during the investigation I will certainly reach out.

    Best regards,

    Frances Hlawatsch | Financial Investigator

    State of Oregon - Real Estate Agency

    Also another thing I have personally got stung on.. is you need a developers license or a GC license in the name of the entity that OWNS the houses if your going to resell to the public..  and believe me people will turn you in..  I had no clue either until i got turned in.  Not once but twice.. LOL.. and 10k later in fines.. as for the selling without a license I suspect what happens is they open a case once someone files a complaint the person is wise to get an attorney to defend them.. that cost money.. then at the end of the day they get a strong letter dont do it again and if your going to bring buyer and seller together please get your real estate license.. 

    if they get caught again then it gets serious.

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Steve Morris why are you trying to stomp all over my deal?

    Is this offensive to you?

    I don't post this to ruffle feathers. I didn't post it to be ruffled either.

  • Member since 2020 · 64 posts · 17 votes
    6y

    @Thomas Burnett. Thomas, glad to see there's some deals to be had in Portland! My husband and I will be looking to purchase next year. We won't be cash buyers but it's good to know that if we work at it we could find something that could cash flow.

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Steve Morris why are you trying to stomp all over my deal?

    Is this offensive to you?

    I don't post this to ruffle feathers. I didn't post it to be ruffled either.

    Well, because what you're doing is illegal as noted.

    Also, I have ethical issues since as brokers our paramount job is to get sellers the max income - Your's is to get a max slice for yourself.

    Again, it's easy enough to shut me up by proving me wrong.

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Steve Morris why are you trying to stomp all over my deal?

    Is this offensive to you?

    I don't post this to ruffle feathers. I didn't post it to be ruffled either.

    its not offensive its just illegal.. and you have all these agents doing all their CE and license laws and everything only to have unlicensed folks doing deals illegally.. so ya you get some blow back  LOL..  wholesalers like to hide behind the solving the problem prehistoric.. but thats all it is.  But again if your  a seeker of the truth then call the state they are the regulators your attorney does not regulate you just comments on is your contract legal or not.. 

  • Wholesaler · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 40 posts · 96 votes
    6y

    @Steve Morris the fact that you try to get the highest sales price for your client only proves that you are trying to get paid better yourself as you get paid a commission based on percentage. Higher sales price = higher commission.

    If you dont have anything nice to say, doea it need to be said?

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y
    Originally posted by @Thomas Burnett:

    @Steve Morris the fact that you try to get the highest sales price for your client only proves that you are trying to get paid better yourself as you get paid a commission based on percentage. Higher sales price = higher commission.

    Nice mis-direct

    The fact we are trying to get a higher price as brokers is to get the seller a higher net price.

    As a wholesaler, the fact you are trying to get a higher price is to get you a bigger slice and the seller the same below market price.

    Again, as a truth seeker, why not ask the REA about your arrangement? 

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    "If you dont have anything nice to say, doea it need to be said?"

    Wellll, as a truth seeker you should realize sometimes the truth isn't nice, but it does need to be said.

  • I​nvestor & Agent · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6y

    @Thomas Burnett

    It’s a good post for motivation for sure.

    It’s an interesting debate that has since ensued.

    I’m licensed and similar jurisdiction is in play in my state I’m very curious about.

    I always wonder if simply put double closings are a better solution than regulation and brokerages trying to run what wholesalers do - most brokers (not all) have little understanding and it seems like something to be afraid of and angry about because there wasn’t a listing on their mls to try to get a commission from....

    I wonder if, moving forward, companies who "wholesale" can simply have intent and ability to close, get POF, back that up beyond an internet printout, and do a double close if necessary.

    When I ponder that... the only stopping of that is saying you can’t buy a house at 9 am and sell it at 10 am same day. I’m equally unsure it’s ethical or fair to put a stop to that as much as I actually dislike a lot of what wholesalers have done (lowball, back out during inspections, etc). But trying to just say it needs to be illegal or ran through brokerages entirely is another animal to me and if it goes that way I’m curious how in fact one can regulate.

  • Real Estate Broker · Portland, OR · Member since 2019 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6y

    "it seems like something to be afraid of and angry about because there wasn't a listing on their mls to try to get a commission from.."

    Not afraid or angry at all.  It's just a disservice to the seller since as brokers we're duty-bound to get our client the highest price.

    With wholesalers, it's a self-serving attempt to keep all extra instead of any of it going to a seller. Wholesaler may find an owner without capacity willing to sell $100K below market.  Wholesaler (at least in his dreams) keeps all of it and seller gets none.

    Again, I have ethical issues and the lack of disclosure is troubling also.

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