All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

Andy - who do you use? PM me if you like.

Norm - I use some proprietary software that finds my leads.

Im comparing various direct mail services. At the moment, Vistaprint is at the top of my list, but im open to others. I'm trying to get a feel for what my costs are going to be on a per card basis, that includes the cost of mailing. Its looking like it could easily be $0.70/card

Does this sound reasonable?

Elliot - just google search for "mobile printer" and you should turn up plenty of results. Go to places like cnet.com or Amazon and read the reviews. Thats what Im doing. However, I will probably end up with on of the HP models. You can get car adapters that will let you power the printer from the cigarette lighter plug.

As for virtual fax, that is something I haven't even thought of until Scott M suggested it. I too would like to hear what others recommend.

Jose - yes, I agree. That is a good point too and something that I plan on doing. The idea is to simply have these tools available in my vehicle, but when I go to see the seller, I will only have a plain vanilla folder and maybe a notebook and pen.

I'm currently a full time software developer, but Ive got a huge interest in REI as a way for me to break out of the corporate world. For the past few months, ive been going to my local REIO group meetings and pestering anyone and everyone that would let me ask questions. Ive read books and have more on my reading list. Ive watched just about every REI related video on youtube. Speaking of which, a guy with the handle "localmentor" was one of my favorite.

My goal to get from 9-5 slave to "Independent REI guru" is as follows:
- For the first few months, focus on finding and flipping wholesale deals to cash buyers that Ive come to know.
- To find the leads on prospective properties, I intend to focus primarily on one or more direct mail campaigns. My local REIO group has several well known cash buyers.
- Start to acquire a few properties of my own for the purpose of leasing. I want at least $350/month cash flow and good equity, so mine will be "cherry picked".
- When I can manage to convince myself that my plan and methods are working to the point that I can wholesale at least 1 property per month and have a few rentals, I plan to give the 9-5 cube job the "heave ho". No more "Dilberts universe" for me.
- Since my wife earns enough for the both of us to pay the bills, I wont feel under pressure as much as if I absolutely had to have a specific amount earned each month.

Your thoughts / comments / suggestions are welcomed.

Some things I'm going to be acquiring as I dive in to REI.

Mini laptop, such as the new mini Dell inspirons
wifi connection via iPhone
Realquest account
mobile printer

This will allow me to respond to calls, look up property info, etc while on the road. Well, on the side of the road I mean :lol:
Having a mobile printer, will let me print out a new sales contract without having to drive back to my house or office if a correction is needed.

The other thing I might do is move my cell phone onto its own plan and get unlimited minutes.

Im just getting started in REI, and im putting together a direct mail campaign. What are the possible drawbacks of using my home address as the return address on the mailings? Has anyone went and got a PO box prior to or after starting to use direct mail campaigns?

Is anyone else concerned about using a direct mail service, that allows you to upload your contact list? What is to stop them from selling your list or selling access to it in some way? Maybe Im just being overly paranoid?

I bumped this thread because I have been looking at Click2Print as a source for sending out my post cards. I think their price on a 4x6 version is $.90/card, doesnt that sound a bit high?

Interesting that using real stamps get better results. Im also a fan of VistaPrint, but have not used them for post cards. Anyone use them in the last month or still using them?