All Forum Posts by: Dylan Robinson

This claim is interesting, especially coming from someone who is actively selling an AI lead generation tool. It seems to create a contradiction: on one hand, you're promoting the use of AI for business, but on the other, you're criticizing its use for content creation.

The purpose of a forum like Bigger Pockets is to share valuable information and help others. The source of that information—whether it's from a human or an AI—is less important than its quality and relevance. If the content is helpful, well-researched, and provides real value to the community, does it matter if it was crafted with the assistance of an AI?

In fact, using AI can be a very efficient way to synthesize vast amounts of information and present it in a clear, concise manner. It's not about being lazy; it's about being smart and leveraging the tools available to us to be more productive. Just as we use spreadsheets to manage our finances or software to analyze deals, we can use AI to help us create high-quality content.

The suggestion that Bigger Pockets should just 'integrate AI' is a separate point. Whether they do or not doesn't negate the fact that we, as individuals, can and should use the most effective tools at our disposal to contribute to the community and build our businesses.

Instead of being a 'lazy' way to get clients, using AI is a strategic one. It's about working smarter, not harder, and it's a testament to the power of the technology that you yourself are selling.

 Haters gonna hate...

That's awesome! Getting into real estate at 19 is a great move and a huge advantage. It shows a lot of foresight to be building your knowledge base now.

The first step, getting your license, is a perfect starting point. It's a foundational step that will give you credibility and access to valuable resources like the MLS, which is critical for both wholesaling and buy-and-hold investing.

How to Get Your First Deal

The biggest hurdle for new investors isn't finding money, but finding deals.

• Become a Local Expert. Your first job is to know your local market inside and out. Don't just focus on a neighborhood; focus on a specific type of house in that neighborhood. Know the average sales prices, the typical rehab costs, and what properties are selling for right now. The more you know, the more confident you'll be when you make offers.
• Wholesaling is a great way to start. It's a low-cost, low-risk way to learn the business. You're not buying the house; you're just putting a contract on it and selling that contract to a buyer for a fee. This teaches you how to find motivated sellers, analyze deals, and build a buyers' list.
• "Bird Dogging" for Other Investors. Since you're just starting, you can find distressed properties and sell the leads to other investors for a small fee. This is a low-pressure way to get your first taste of a deal and get paid for your time.
• Start with "Driving for Dollars." This is a free way to find deals. Drive through your target neighborhoods looking for signs of distressed properties, like overgrown lawns, broken windows, or boarded-up doors. Write down the addresses and then use public records to find the owner's information to reach out to them.

What to Do After You Get Your License

Once you have your license, the next step is to find a brokerage that's a good fit for you. Since your goal is investing, you should look for an investor-friendly brokerage.

• Look for a Mentor. The fastest way to learn is by working with someone who has already done it. Find a broker or a senior agent who is also an investor. Ask them to mentor you or consider offering to work for them for free in exchange for their knowledge.
• Build Your Network. Go to local real estate meetups and events. You'll find other investors, lenders, and contractors who can help you. The relationships you build here will be more valuable than any textbook.

Your youth is a huge asset. You have the time and energy to build a strong foundation and take smart risks. Stay hungry, and you'll do great.

This is a common and smart way to scale your operation, moving from a solo investor to a team leader. The arrangement you're describing is a joint venture (JV) wholesaling or a commission-based acquisition model. It's a way to leverage other people's time and effort while keeping your capital risk low.

Here’s how these arrangements are typically structured and some alternatives to consider.

🤝 Profit Split Arrangements

The compensation model you're suggesting is a profit split, which is a common way to structure these partnerships. The key is to have a clear, written agreement that defines roles, responsibilities, and how profits are divided.

• 50/50 Split: This is the most straightforward and common model, especially with land deals that often have smaller margins than residential houses. It works well when both parties contribute equally to the deal. In your case, you provide the lead, and they handle the entire process from getting the property under contract to the final sale.
• Role-Based Split (e.g., 60/40 or 70/30): This is a more nuanced approach where the split is based on who does the "heavier lifting." Since you're paying for the PPC marketing to generate the leads, you could argue that you're taking on more of the financial risk. A 60/40 or even a 70/30 split in your favor might be more equitable, giving you a larger percentage for the initial lead generation and financing.

It's also important to define what expenses come out of the profit before the split. These could include:

• PPC advertising costs
• Due diligence fees
• Title and closing costs
• Marketing and listing fees for the final sale

Example: You get a land contract for $20,000 and sell it for $30,000. The profit is $10,000. If you have a 50/50 split, each person gets $5,000. But if you have a 60/40 split, you get $6,000 and the agent gets $4,000.

⚖️ Legal Structure

Instead of just having an informal arrangement, you should consider forming a legal entity, such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), to manage these deals. You would be the managing member, and the "agents" would be contractors you pay per deal. This structure protects you from liability and makes it easy to track income and expenses.

An LLC Operating Agreement can clearly outline the rules for profit splits, responsibilities, and dispute resolution. It's a document that protects everyone involved.

💡 Another Approach

Another way to approach this is to hire a virtual assistant (VA) or an acquisitions manager on a fixed salary or hourly rate. This is more of a traditional business model where you pay for their time, and you keep all the profits. This might be a better option if you want more control over the entire process and a larger percentage of the profits. However, it also comes with more overhead and risk.

Your current idea of using a profit-split model is an excellent way to scale without adding a fixed payroll. It's a win-win: your partners are incentivized to close deals because their income is directly tied to the success of each transaction, and you're only paying them when you make money. The most successful approach is the one that allows you to continue to grow and focus on your strengths—which, in your case, is finding leads.

Welcome to BiggerPockets, Jayson! It's great to have you in the community. Your focus on building the right team from the beginning is exactly the right approach. Real estate is a team sport, and your network is your net worth. Worcester County is a hot market, and having a solid team is what will separate you from the competition.

Building Your Network

You've listed all the right people to connect with. Here's some advice on how to find them effectively in your area:

• Local Meetups and REIAs: This is the most effective way to find people who are active and serious. Search for "Worcester County real estate investor meetup" or "Central Massachusetts REIA" on sites like Meetup.com. When you go, be prepared to introduce yourself and what you're looking for.
• Search for Active Investors on BiggerPockets: Use the search feature to find people in your area. Look for users who have commented on forum posts about Massachusetts or have written their own. These people are actively engaged in the community.
• LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to find professionals with titles like "real estate investor," "hard money lender," or "real estate attorney." You can use the search filters to narrow it down to Worcester, Massachusetts.
• Public Records: A great way to find serious cash buyers is to look for recently closed deals. Go to the Worcester County Registry of Deeds website and search for cash sales or properties that were sold and then resold a few months later. These are clear signs of investors, and you can get their contact information from the deed.
• Find Investor-Friendly Real Estate Agents: Some agents specialize in working with investors and understand the nuances of things like distressed properties and wholesale deals. When looking at online agent profiles or reviews, look for keywords like "investor-friendly," "fix and flip," or "off-market properties."

You're a great candidate for joint ventures because you're in the right market and you're willing to do the hard work. Good luck, and feel free to reach out to people on here or at a local meeting. The right connections are out there, and they're often more than willing to help out someone who is serious and transparent about their goals.

Welcome, Jose! That's a great goal, and wholesaling is a fantastic way to get started and build a strong foundation. You're thinking about the business in the right order; a buyers list is the lifeblood of wholesaling.

Here is a breakdown of how to build a buyers list and other essential tips.

Finding Buyers for Your List

You're already on the right track by using online platforms like BiggerPockets and Facebook groups. Now you need to take it a step further to find qualified cash buyers who are actively doing deals in your area.

• Local Investor Meetings: Search for Real Estate Investor Associations (REIAs) in your market. In-person networking is one of the most effective ways to connect with active investors. Show up, introduce yourself, and let people know what kind of properties you plan to wholesale.
• Public Records: This is an excellent way to find proven buyers. Go to your local county recorder's office website and look up recent property sales. Search for properties that were bought with cash or had a quick turnaround (bought and then resold within a few months). The people or LLCs who bought those properties are your ideal customers.
• "We Buy Houses" Signs: Those signs on telephone poles and billboards aren't just for finding sellers. The people who put them up are your direct competition, but they are also active buyers. Call the number on the sign and let them know that you're a wholesaler who finds deals and would like to send them to them.
• Network with Professionals: Connect with people who work with investors every day. Hard money lenders, title companies, and contractors all have a front-row seat to who is closing deals. Ask them who their most active clients are.

Building Your Credibility

A good buyers list is about quality, not just quantity. To attract serious buyers, you must be a trusted source for deals.

• Know the Numbers: Before you send a deal to a buyer, make sure your numbers are accurate. You should know the After Repair Value (ARV), estimated rehab costs, and other expenses. A buyer who receives a deal with solid, well-researched numbers is more likely to trust you and come back for more.
• Be a Problem Solver: The best wholesalers don't just find a property; they find a property with a motivated seller and a clear problem to solve. This could be a property in pre-foreclosure, a tax-delinquent home, or a property from an out-of-state owner.

The more you focus on finding great deals and building genuine relationships, the faster your reputation will grow. Welcome again, and feel free to ask more questions as you continue on your journey!

Welcome to BiggerPockets, Bart! Your background is a perfect blend of skills for a new real estate investor. You have an eye for distressed properties from your past construction work and an understanding of value from your time in the appraisal office. Having a father who is a broker is a huge asset as well. You've got a fantastic head start.

Getting your real estate license is a very smart move, especially in a market like Texas. It gives you immediate credibility and, as you noted, access to the MLS. The MLS is a goldmine for finding motivated sellers and cash buyers who are already in the market.

Since you're still arranging your pieces, here are a few key pieces of advice for the Katy/Houston area:

1. The Power of Your License

While many wholesalers operate without a license, having one gives you a massive advantage. You can represent yourself as the agent in the transaction, which adds a layer of professionalism and trust. However, be sure to understand the rules from the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) regarding disclosure. You must be transparent with both the buyer and the seller about your role as a principal in the transaction and that you are a licensed agent.

2. Focus on Your Buyer's List First

Your primary challenge will be to find your cash buyers. As a wholesaler, you are a salesperson for a contract, and you can't sell a product without a customer.

• Network with Hard Money Lenders and Title Companies: The most active investors are the ones consistently getting loans and closing deals. Reach out to hard money lenders and ask them who their most active clients are. Title companies and closing attorneys also see all the cash transactions and can be a great source of referrals.
• Attend Local REIAs: Katy and Houston have a very active real estate investor community. Find local meetups and go to every one you can. Tell everyone you meet that you are a wholesaler looking to build your buyers list and that you have a construction background, which helps you identify deals with accurate numbers.

3. Identify Your Niche

Katy and the surrounding Houston area are vast. Don't try to cover it all. You're already in a great position because you're in different neighborhoods daily. Use this to your advantage.

• Find a specific neighborhood or two: You mentioned Katy and the surrounding counties. Pick a few neighborhoods you are in most often and become the expert in those areas. Know the comps, the typical rehab costs, and the types of houses that are in demand.
• Focus on a property type: You mentioned distressed properties. This is a great area to focus on because they are less likely to be listed on the MLS and are a perfect fit for a wholesaler/flipper.

By getting your license and focusing on a niche, you're setting yourself up for success. Feel free to ask more specific questions as you get closer to your first deal. We're all here to help!

That's a smart approach. Finding your buyers' list is a crucial first step—it's like lining up your customers before you start your business. Having a solid list of active, qualified buyers in the Salt Lake City area will give you the confidence to talk to sellers and the security of knowing you can close a deal once you get it.

You're on the right track with Facebook groups and BiggerPockets. The key now is to be more direct and strategic.

Finding Qualified Buyers in Your Market

1. Attend Local Investor Meetups (REIAs): This is the single most effective method. Search for "Salt Lake City Real Estate Investor Association" or similar groups on Meetup.com. These meetings are full of flippers, landlords, and other investors who are actively looking for off-market deals. Go, introduce yourself, and get business cards. Tell them exactly what you plan to do (e.g., "I'm a wholesaler focused on the Salt Lake County area, looking for distressed single-family homes.")
2. Look for "We Buy Houses" Signs: Those signs you see on telephone poles or the billboards you see on the interstate? The people behind them are your direct competition, but they are also your potential buyers. They have marketing budgets and are actively trying to buy houses. Call the numbers on the signs and let them know you find off-market deals. They will likely be interested in hearing what you have.
3. Search Public Records: This is a fantastic way to find buyers who are already active in your market. Go to your county recorder's office (Salt Lake County Recorder's Office) and look up recent transactions. Search for properties that were bought and then resold quickly (within a few months) for a significantly higher price. This is a tell-tale sign of a flipper. You can then look up the owner's information and reach out to them directly.
4. Network with Local Professionals: The people who work with investors every day are your best resource. Connect with:
   • Hard Money Lenders: They know who is consistently getting loans and closing deals.
   • Title Companies: They see all the cash transactions and double closes.
   • Contractors: Many contractors work exclusively with flippers and can tell you who the most active players are.

How to Build a High-Quality List

It’s not enough to just find names; you need to qualify them. As you connect with people, ask them a few key questions to build a high-quality list.

• What are you looking for? Ask about their specific criteria: what types of properties (e.g., single-family, multifamily), in which neighborhoods, what price range, and what level of rehab they are comfortable with.
• How many deals can you do? Ask if they can handle more than one deal at a time. This will help you find the high-volume buyers.
• How do you fund your deals? Ask about their financing. Cash buyers or those with hard money loans are typically able to close the fastest.

The more specific you are in your search, the more effective your buyers' list will be. Good luck, and welcome to the world of real estate!

Your post is a fantastic and much-needed reality check for new wholesalers. It’s easy to get discouraged by big companies and their seemingly endless resources. Your insights prove that the greatest advantages are often intangible: hunger, creativity, and a willingness to do the unscalable work.

The three tips you shared are the perfect playbook for a new investor. They don't require capital, only hustle. The story about the Charleston deal is a perfect example. A big, conventional company wouldn't put in that kind of personal effort. They'd likely pass on the lead and move on to the next. That's where a hungry individual can shine.

Your story about the Union Heights neighborhood is especially inspiring. It's a great lesson in finding a niche where there's zero competition. Most people see a "war zone," but you saw an opportunity and a way to solve a problem at scale. You not only built a profitable business but also played a significant role in revitalizing a community. That's a huge win on multiple levels.

I especially love the tip about marketing on weekends. It's so simple, yet it's something that most new investors probably wouldn't think to do. That's what separates the hustlers from the hobbyists—the willingness to do what others aren't.

Thanks for sharing such a transparent and motivational post. It's a powerful reminder that while systems and processes are important, nothing beats good old-fashioned grit and a willingness to get your hands dirty.