Driving for dollars then door knocking ?

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Ethan Summers · Answer

@Timothy Crawford Truly inspiring story I use a technique called google drive for dollars in my market it may save you sometime on prospecting and driving around. I simply take a target zip code/street in my investment area and begin to use google maps to walk up the street using my mouse to zoom in on any property that may look distressed. Google always has pretty up to date images on the maps app/feature.I then take these addresses and put them in an excel spreadsheet and I typically do some research on the county tax assessor site. Once i locate owner names i skip trace the owner find their current address and phone number, I usually like to just give them a ring but often times ill follow the phone call up with a yellow letter or postcard, maybe even knock on their door if i cant get them on the phone. Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

John Knisely · Answer

@Timothy Crawford this is a great strategy and often can set you apart from the keyboard quarterbacks who are looking to Tim Ferris their way into real estate millions. Nothing wrong with that but sometimes I find that there is no substitute for boots on the ground, meeting with owners.

You'll always find unmotivated sellers in direct mail and in person, the beauty of direct mail is that the effort comes from the owner to contact you, rather than you seeking them out. It's definitely a numbers game with direct mail, so you may have a significantly higher success rate by doorknocking. It will definitely take you more time of course to find properties, track down owners and then give your pitch.

I think there is potential to get more deals this way if you also focus on your "failed" leads as an opportunity to put them to work...give them your card, tell them to contact you if anyone they know is looking to sell. It will grow your network of leads in an area in a way that direct mail might not as its very easy to throw away a postcard.

Bara Nwokoma · Answer

@Timothy Crawford Way to put in work man!!!

Needing end buyers? Post on your local REI group on Facebook, also search a guy named Cam Ellis. He buys many properties in that area and Memphis. Start attending REIAs in your area.

Go to your local REIAs and connect with other investors and buyers there.

Keep the momentum going man! I love this!

Timothy Crawford · Answer

just a quick update I've gotten 2 contracts due to door knocking since I've posted this topic. Now I'm currently trying to find end buyers

Ray Lai · Answer

@Timothy Crawford

I'm not knocking on door-to-door but it seems like people on BP have had varying degrees of success. You hit the jackpot on your first door, whereas I know other people that have literally knocked on over 2000 doors and only gotten 1 deal out of it. Opportunity cost of time is high.

Wish you the best of luck Tim. Hope it's not like going to the Casino and hitting it on your first slot roll.

Also, door-to-door is much harder to scale. Is it do-able? Sure, hard to build teams of door knockers but they exist here even in San Diego.

I also notice you're in TN. Maybe certain regions have a higher rate of success with door to door? Doesn't seem to work well in the cities or places with "Trespassers will be shot" signs :)

Ethan Summers · Answer

@Timothy Crawford update us on the progress with the buyers if you find time great work on those!!!

Timothy Crawford · Answer

Thanks!!!

Timothy Crawford · Answer

just a quick update I've gotten 2 contracts due to door knocking since I've posted this topic. Now I'm currently trying to find end buyers.

Ethan Summers · Answer

@John Knisely in the few markets i work in yes google seems to update on a consistent bases we've all seen the vans rolling around with the cameras attached to the top. I agree boots on the ground is imperative, with a small operation like mine it helps to be able to drive for dollars virtually.

John Knisely · Answer

@Ethan Summers, definitely a decent strategy, Do you find that google streetview is actually current enough? I feel like its hard to see the telltale signs of distress from streetview such as uncut grass, nobody living there, sights, sounds, smells etc. Its a great first step, especially in a market where Google stays current, but I do think the boots on the ground really can make all the difference! @Timothy Crawford wow man! You definitely seem to have gotten a great first opportunity in a motivated seller, keep us posted on how it works out for you.

Driving for dollars then door knocking ?

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