All Forum Posts by: Braden Smith

The hottest markets are not necessarily the best markets to invest in. The hottest markets will have massive amounts of competition that drives prices up and squeezes margins thin. This is exactly what has happened in NOLA. Our market has become saturated with investors of all types, including wannabees and rookies who are causing problems for everyone else by overbidding and overpaying for things. In my opinion, the hottest markets are the hardest markets to invest in.

Some of the hottest markets in Louisiana are New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles. But the drop in oil prices have slowed things a bit in Lafayette and Lake Charles from what I have heard.

Hey @Ricky Gibson. Where do you find the Notice of Default on the Clerk of Court website? I see that you can buy a subscription on the Orleans Clerk website, but not sure what all info I can get there. I called and talked to them, but they weren't all that helpful...

Hey @Brandon Clark. For insurance agents I recommend Joe Molero with TWFG or Jeremy Scobey with Alternative Insurance Solutions. PM me for contact numbers.

When it comes to flood insurance you have to look at each house on a case-by-case basis. Just because a particular house is in a low-lying area, such as Gentilly, that does not necessarily mean the flood insurance will be high. The way flood insurance is calculated is by comparing the base flood elevation for the area to the elevation of the subject property. So if the house is raised enough the flood insurance could be very affordable even though it is in a low-lying area. Now if the house is in a low lying area and it is on a slab there's a good chance the flood insurance will be costly. When I am looking at a particular property I reach out to one of my insurance agents to get a quote, but in order to get an accurate quote you need a flood elevation certificate and many sellers may not have one available. If they do not have one available, then you need to get a surveyor to go out to the property and it cost about $250. I have a couple of insurance agents I can recommend if you need one.

@Ryan Dossey I agree with you on all of the above. I did the same and switched from a generic letter to professional letterhead. Competition in my market is fierce and there are way too many newbies and wannabes out there making things difficult for everyone. What is the company that Jerry has? I know I have seen his name around plenty of times...

@Ryan Dossey can you PM me on pricing?

Hey @Ryan Dossey I have a typed letter I send out branded to my real estate investing company. I want to start doing a mixed campaign alternating letters and postcards for a total of about 6 mailings per year to lists that I have built. I am looking for off market deals. Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated!

Hey @Cody Alexander. I was looking on the site and didn't see that I could upload a list and letter, but I see it now. What is pricing like for a one page letter mailed to a list I provide?

Anyone have a recommendation for a direct mail service where I can upload a list and mailing piece and just have them send it out on a schedule?

Welcome to BP @Vanessa Davis! Good luck with your endeavors. 

Hey @Jeffre Saint James, could you send me some info on your funding?