What Gets Your Attention First?
Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes
What Gets Your Attention First?
Most Popular Reply
Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votesIn my 25+ years of investing, 95% of Wholesalers don't last a year.
Why?
Because they don't INVEST in their own wholesale business to become an expert🤢
Go buy a used car - the salesperson will tell you all about the car, the mileage, what work they did to it, the specs when it was new, etc.
What info do wholesalers provide?
- Inflated "as-is" values
- Inflated ARVs
- Low-ball repair amounts
- Inflated monthly rental amounts
Yeah, I get it - focusing on the best-case scenario is what sales people do.
It's how they make the most amount of money possible from a transaction.
But, when so many variables are ALL so outside "average", I don't even bother paying attention.
Layer on top of all this, "No Inspection" and "Cash Only" conditions and it's even more of a potential rip-off!
- Most real estate transactions have "built-in" protections for buyers via inspections and appraisals.
So, what info would I expect from a Wholesaler to get me to look at their deal:
1) Comps to support ARV
2) Comps to support AR rent
3) An accurate list of repairs needed or Scope Of Work (SOW)
4) Prefer to figure out my own rehab budget from a SOW, but would also be helpful to have an estimate!
How hard is it to get this info?
1) Pay a Realtor for a CMA
2) Pay a Realtor for CMA or provide rental data from Zillow, Rent-o-Meter and Realtor com (MLS)
3) Pay a reputable contractor for a SOW
4) Pay same contractor for a bid
(FYI: if you offer to pay 10-20% more, you may be able to cut a deal with agent & contractor to delay their payments until sale)
Oh wait, you mean you have to invest money in your business?
What SUCCESSFUL business doesn't?
Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
12 Replies
- 2moDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
In my 25+ years of investing, 95% of Wholesalers don't last a year.
Why?
Because they don't INVEST in their own wholesale business to become an expert🤢
Go buy a used car - the salesperson will tell you all about the car, the mileage, what work they did to it, the specs when it was new, etc.
What info do wholesalers provide?
- Inflated "as-is" values
- Inflated ARVs
- Low-ball repair amounts
- Inflated monthly rental amountsYeah, I get it - focusing on the best-case scenario is what sales people do.
It's how they make the most amount of money possible from a transaction.But, when so many variables are ALL so outside "average", I don't even bother paying attention.
Layer on top of all this, "No Inspection" and "Cash Only" conditions and it's even more of a potential rip-off!
- Most real estate transactions have "built-in" protections for buyers via inspections and appraisals.So, what info would I expect from a Wholesaler to get me to look at their deal:
1) Comps to support ARV
2) Comps to support AR rent
3) An accurate list of repairs needed or Scope Of Work (SOW)
4) Prefer to figure out my own rehab budget from a SOW, but would also be helpful to have an estimate!How hard is it to get this info?
1) Pay a Realtor for a CMA
2) Pay a Realtor for CMA or provide rental data from Zillow, Rent-o-Meter and Realtor com (MLS)
3) Pay a reputable contractor for a SOW
4) Pay same contractor for a bid
(FYI: if you offer to pay 10-20% more, you may be able to cut a deal with agent & contractor to delay their payments until sale)Oh wait, you mean you have to invest money in your business?
What SUCCESSFUL business doesn't?
Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews- Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes2mo
Drew, I appreciate your perspective and I do agree that wholesalers should take responsibility for learning their craft and understanding the numbers behind what they present.
One thing I’ve learned after wholesaling for about 4 1/2 years is that every market and every investor can be different. Some markets are easier to understand once you’ve been working them consistently, but expanding into new areas means being willing to become a student again and learn what investors in that market actually value.
I also think one of the biggest challenges in this space is sometimes people are afraid to admit they are still learning. I’ve always believed there is value in asking questions, even after years in business, because none of us know everything.
I think we should all remember what it feels like to be new at something — that awkward stage of learning, trying to figure things out, and hoping you’re doing things the right way. Some people learn faster, some need more experience and guidance, but growth comes from being willing to improve.
I do believe accountability is important, but I also believe encouragement and education go a long way. Not every newer wholesaler is intentionally trying to mislead an investor — some genuinely believe they are doing things correctly until someone with more experience helps them understand a better way.
I also agree that investing into your business matters. Whether that investment is money, education, mentorship, relationships, or simply taking the time to ask experienced investors what information they value — growth requires effort. That’s actually part of why I asked this question.
I think it’s important to remember that “investing” may look different depending on where someone is starting from. Some people can immediately invest into tools, contractors, data, and paid resources. Others may be starting from very little and their first investment is their time, consistency, networking, and willingness to learn while they build.
For me personally, I focus on presenting facts — actual comps, current market data, and properties that truly compare, whether that’s the same zip code, neighborhood, or even the same block when possible. The investor ultimately decides if it fits their goals and strategy.
I believe the relationship between wholesalers and investors works best when there is transparency, accountability, and mutual respect. We can hold each other to a higher standard without undercutting or belittling one another.
- Specialist · Member since 2025 · 82 posts · 31 votes2mo
One thing I've noticed is that the source matters, but what really catches my attention is how much context comes with the opportunity. When a lead comes from a cold calling conversation instead of just a property list, you often have a much clearer picture of the owner's motivation, timeline, and openness to selling. That context can make the evaluation process much more efficient than starting with raw data alone.
Interested in hearing how other investors weigh seller motivation versus the property's numbers in their initial review.
- Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes2mo
Thank you for sharing this perspective, I really appreciate it. I agree — context makes a huge difference. A property can look interesting on paper, but understanding the seller’s motivation, timeline, and what problem they’re actually trying to solve can completely change how you evaluate and approach the opportunity.
I’ve learned that numbers are extremely important, but the conversation behind the numbers matters too. Two properties can look similar from the outside, but the seller’s situation can create two completely different opportunities.
I think having both sides — accurate property data and a real understanding of the seller — creates a stronger foundation and helps everyone evaluate the deal more efficiently. Thanks again for adding this because this is exactly the type of insight I was hoping to learn from different investors’ perspectives.
- Real Estate Agent · Kansas City · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes2mo
I always look at these things...
1) Price. Make sure it's clear the asking price. This will peak my interest to dive deeper or skip.
2) City, area & zip code. These will also stop or continue looking deeper. If it's in a rough area it's a pass. If it's too far out again it's a skip. Each investor has a preferred area but certain zip codes will be a skip for 95% of investors.
3) Pictures. If there is barely any I skip. You always need to provide plenty of photos and videos. Even if you offer a showing investors don't want to waste their time unless they have photos beforehand.
4) Terms. Each wholesaler is different on their required EMD, close date, etc. Majority of wholesalers have similar minimum EMD and contingencies.
If you are wholesaling I would focus on the areas with the most demand. In my area suburbs are the hottest and hardest to come by. If you present deals in the hot areas that make sense you'll close deals.
- Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes2mo
Thank you for breaking this down, I really appreciate it. This is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for — understanding what catches an investor’s attention before they decide if they want to look deeper.
I like that you mentioned area/zip code because I’ve learned that can change so much depending on the investor and the market. What may work in one city or for one strategy may be an automatic pass for someone else.
Pictures and transparency are also huge. I agree that an investor shouldn’t have to waste time chasing basic information just to decide if a property is even worth considering.
I’m definitely focusing on learning investors’ criteria more and understanding demand in each market instead of assuming every area or every opportunity fits every buyer. Appreciate you sharing your perspective.
- Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes2moHonesty.
Quote from @Paradise Epps:
I’m curious how active Detroit investors evaluate opportunities when they come across a new acquisitions source. What information helps you decide whether a deal is worth a closer look? I’m interested in hearing different perspectives on what makes the review process efficient.
It's better to say, "I don't know the full details, but I'll find them out for you, if this is of interest to you"
"it's a great deal" is over used, a lot. I of course, am the one that decides if it's a deal or not.
I'll then ask a couple of questions to see if it merits further interest. You can't "convince" me or any other experienced investor on a bad deal. It's more important to me to make money on the deal than it is to worry about someone else collecting a commission.
If I find in a transaction where the wholesaler either "stretched the truth", had horrible comps, had bad judgement in the neighborhood or situation or just plain didn't show professionalism, then that's all she wrote. I don't waste time with those who waste my time.- Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes2mo
Ken, I appreciate this response. This is exactly the kind of insight I was looking for. I agree — the investor decides if something is truly a deal, not the person presenting it.
I’m learning that accurate numbers, realistic comps, understanding the area, and being transparent are what actually build trust. I’d rather say “I don’t know yet, but I’ll find out” than give someone bad information just to push a deal.
Out of curiosity, when someone brings you an opportunity, what are the main things you want included upfront that make you say “okay, this is worth looking into”?
- Wholesaler · Charleston WV · Member since 2026 · 219 posts · 121 votes2mo
I'm not in Detroit, but my process is pretty much the same anywhere. I look at the location first, then the numbers, the condition, and whether there's enough room for everyone to make money. The faster you can identify deals that don't work, the more time you have to focus on the ones that actually have a chance of closing.
- Wholesaler · NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 6 votes2mo
Travis, thank you for sharing this. I appreciate how straightforward you made it — location, numbers, condition, and making sure there’s enough room for everyone involved. I think learning how to identify what doesn’t work quickly is just as valuable as finding what does so everyone’s time is respected.
Since you mentioned condition, I’m curious — how do you personally feel about gut jobs or heavier rehabs? Are those something you’ll consider as long as the numbers and location make sense, or do you usually prefer properties that need more cosmetic/light work?
- Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2018 · 464 posts · 90 votes3w
Drew Sygit and Ken M. basically said the same thing from different angles: wholesalers inflate numbers and waste investors' time. Drew says the fix is investing in your business — pay for comps, pay for a SOW, pay for contractor bids. Ken says the fix is honesty — if you don't know, say so.
Both are right. But there's one thing that costs $0 and solves both problems at the same time:
**Go to the county records before you ever present a deal.**
Three departments in every county publish motivation for free:
- Tax Collector → tax delinquent properties (owner hasn't paid taxes)
- Code Enforcement → properties with open violations (neglected, not just "needs work")
- Clerk of Court → probate cases, liens, estate filings
When all three converge on the same property, you don't need to inflate the ARV or low-ball repairs because you already have documented proof from three independent government sources that this property is distressed. The investor can verify it themselves — it's public record.
That's what Drew's "invest in your business" looks like at zero cost. Instead of paying a realtor for comps to support a number you made up, you pull county data that shows WHY the property matters. Instead of telling an investor "trust me, it's a great deal," you hand them three county sources that independently confirm the same thing.
Sara Joe mentioned that context from a cold calling conversation makes evaluation more efficient. She's right — but county public records give you that same context without making a single phone call. The tax collector already told you the owner hasn't paid taxes. Code enforcement already told you the property has violations. The clerk of court already told you there's a probate case. That's your context, documented and verifiable.
@Paradise Epps you asked what gets attention first. For Detroit investors specifically: Wayne County publishes all three data sources online. Tax delinquent list, code enforcement violations, and probate filings from the Clerk of Court. When you can show an investor that three county departments independently flagged the same property, that's what gets their attention — because it's not your opinion, it's public record.
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