All Forum Posts by: Colton Cook

Brian Christian I think that's a brilliant idea, especially with the name! Even if they delete the email, they'll see my name on the subject line.

Sean Dolan , How much does that feature run monthly? I'm trying to get my databases set up before jumping in. That's good info, I appreciate that!

So good! For me and my wife, we want to raise our children in a culture of self sufficiency. I want my sons and daughters to be able to come to work with me and be discipled in business. Also, I wish to take care of my parents when they are aged, and buy the "Cook Family Ranch" my dad and I have dreamed about for years. On that ranch I want to teach young inter-city kids and teens what it's like to be a real man of courage and faith. So I'm with you, rat race won't get me there. Good forum.

I'm thinking most of the contacts would be from signing in during open houses. My goal is to get belly to belly with as many people as possible. I know a local realtor puts her name in every email she sends. I have never read or opened them, but, I do know her name. So there's an idea?

So, as we all know a vast majority of emails are deleted and never opened. I figured maybe this discussion could provide an outlet for ideas for successful email titles that will raise the likelihood of the email being opened. 

I know that most agents, and I assume wholesalers will have a drip campaign to market to their database. I see emails from agents all the time that make me immediately trash them.

Anyone had any success with catchy titles? Text, email, letter, whatever. 

thanks! :)

Howdy y'all! This post may be a bit on the lengthy side, but I am hoping to provide a full picture of my situation as well as hopefully be able to aid other local investors in my area. Please feel free to skip to the appropriate heading

Introduction:

You may be able to consider this an introduction/career update! I am currently working in the residential construction industry. I figured I'd be able to learn about the nuts and bolts of what makes up my future investments. My wife is talented in interior design, and we plan to flip homes, landlord, and sell real estate full time. As I was spending some time with the Lord one morning, I realized that easing into the industry is playing it safe. 

The result of that realization has led me to pursue getting my real estate license and jump both feet into the real estate industry.

Current Situation:

I am currently in the middle of finishing up my education requirement and should, if all goes well (Lord willing) I should have my license hung and be operating full-time by the end of February (2016). My wife will be helping me approach my marketing campaign and customer relations management.

Vision/The Big Why

After taking various personality assessments for interviews and class, I was informed that my idea generation was at a 10, making me a certified, licensed, and expert dreamer. This dreaming has led me to expect more out of myself than simply punching in and punching out on a clock. The more potential a task has, the more it interests me. In virtually every industry, there is a glass ceiling, capping the earning potential of employees. 

After getting married, I have started to see how important family relationships are to me. For me to be able to take off of work and really spend time with my family, I will need to be able to set my own schedule.

Also, doing ministry in Bryan, has really opened me up to the potential for growth and prosperity in Bryan. 

So, with my passion lying in real estate and home building, particularly in Bryan/College Station, I had only one choice to make the dream work: Jumping both feet in as a RE Agent. 

I really am passionate about BCS and I am willing to take a risk to be able to do that.

Where to go from here/Current Objective:

Since my wife and I are young, our savings accounts is...well let's just say not massive, I am trying to build my personal brand, and build some connections here with some active investors. I am looking to primarily work with investors, since investing is my end goal. I know every agent tries to portray themselves as "investor friendly", but I am working towards my end goal of investing myself, while building a successful sales team along the way. I plan to service investors for years, and raise my children in the industry.

What I Need from here:

From here, I would love to get in touch with all you active investors here in Bryan/College Station/Brazos Valley Area. I graduate in about five months, and will have to be rocking and rolling here by then. If not, I'll have to accept one of my job offers in the Houston area, which will only delay the process and drag it out. 

So, if you're interested in helping a young gun out, please reach out and connect with me. All advise is appreciated and received. I don't plan to be another agent, I'm here to beat the odds and stick. 

Closing Statements:

Thanks for reading this update! I look forward to working with you guys. I'm excited about my career, and I appreciate y'all reading this and for any advice given. Please reach out to me, I'd love to connect and help in any way I can.

God Bless,

Colton Cook

Howdy all!

I am about to start sending out my first round of direct mailers! So below is my current approach/reasoning as to why I am marketing the way I am. Please feel free to correct my approach or present contrasting ideas!

Current Approach/Reasoning:

So currently, because I am a student, part time investor, and a newlywed; money is tight for marketing material. From the time I have spent lurking (sorry) here on Bigger Pockets, I have learned that direct mailing is basically a must to be successful. Currently this is our only form of paid marketing since bandit signs are illegal here and one of my business partners is a skilled web advertiser. 

I believe there is a lot of stock in putting in leg work and working hard. Because of this, when I have free time, I drive for dollars, searching for distressed or neglected properties. When I find the properties, I compare them in our county database, I find their mailing address and send them a letter of intent.

This is my current plan. I figured I would first receive any critiques in my plan prior to mailing to the potential sellers.

I am currently targeting investors ready to sell their properties/motivated/distressed sellers. 

Questions/Grey Areas:

How is my approach for direct mailing? I do not really wish to use a list website at this time due to VERY little disposable income. 

Here is what I know the letter should look like:

Anything to add or subtract from this list?

• Least said is best said (short and to the point)
• I want to find a way to let the seller know that I represent investors and am not the purchaser (this is the one I'm fuzzy about. I simply want to represent myself honestly)
• Handwritten
• Leave our Google Voice number as the contact info

Open to all questions, comments, critiques and criticisms! 

Thanks all!

Colton

Wow! Thank you everyone! I'm honored by everyone popping by to say hello! I look forward to meeting many of you and learning from most of you! 

Intro:

Howdy! I'm a senior in construction science at Texas A&M, and have just started my career in real estate investing! I currently work for a home builder as an assistant superintendent, so I'm investing part time currently. I just got married (2 months ago from this post to be exact) to my lovely wife, who is an excellent interior decorator. I love the outdoors, and hope to spend more time there upon graduation.

Why Real Estate/Vision:

I didn't decide to venture into real estate simply for the personal gains, rather I see real estate as a financial vehicle to allow my wife and future (Lord willing) children an avenue to not be bound by my 9-5. My dream is to establish a place where the orphaned and fatherless could be given the opportunity to learn how to grow into godly men, both providing them the influence to live honorably and full of integrity, while also equipping them with everyday skills needed to break the cycle of brokeness they have previously experienced. My heart is for the hurting. I believe in the power of generosity, and I have an unshakable faith in Christ who guides me through all that I do. 

I would also like to leave an established business founded on honesty and service to my children and their children. 

Current Real Estate Life:

Currently I and my two business partners plan begin our careers as wholesalers. We just finished up our launch pad education and strategic planning prior to blitzing our College Station market. By the time this is being read, we will be contacting everyone we know who has even mentioned investing to start making a buyer's list. At the same time we are also starting to drive for dollars, send direct mail, check our county's appraisal website for absentee owners, and network.

Salutation:

I look forward to learning from, networking with, and hopefully working with several of you here in the very near future! Any investors here in the Brazos Valley, please give me a shout! I'd love to connect and learn from your experience!

In Christ