All Forum Posts by: Glenn Espinosa

And when you guys surpass Harvard you're pretty much qualified to start your own Real Estate College. Just don't make it cheesy like those infomercials you see nowadays.

Awesome stuff guys, loved both podcasts. I definitely took away a few golden nuggests from each. Can't wait to see whats next. And don't worry my itunes reviews are coming, just gotta remember my password also, haha

Awesome tip Bobby!

For me, I use dropbox to share files with my 2 partners and it has been vital in our operations.

With my lenders we use picasa picture gallery to easily upload new pictures for them to look at on their own time.

For deal acquisition I have a spread sheet that I created that allows me to update numbers on the fly. If my rehab numbers change, for example, it automatically updates the potential profit as well as my MAO. The spreadsheet is also set up so that I can see my potential profit if I was to go 10% over/under my rehab estimates. Very neat and it has allowed me to analyze deals 100x faster than before.

My scam radar just blew up with that website. Do not even consider putting in a request for funds.

I've had a CCW for two years now. I've been through some war zones and have invested in the outskirts of some really shady parts of town.

Investing near these places was a major reason why I went out and got my license in the first place.

I mainly carry my Sig P232. Very comfortable gun to carry concealed and when I'm wearing business casual I feel like James Bond. Don't ask my if that's the main reason why I bought it though, Lol.

One thing that I'm doing with my advertising is focusing on their emotions. Highlight their problems and tell them how you can solve them. If you can do that without sounding cheesy or like a scam artist then you're better off in my experience.

For example:

For distressed landlords I simply ask - Are you a tired landlord? Are you fed up with chasing tenants for their rent every month? Are you tired of late night maintenance calls to fix a dirty toilet? We can help we offer [insert your value proposition].

Lower your viewpoint to the people you are marketing to. Find out what makes their lives difficult and what brings PAIN to them on a daily basis. Then tell them how you can take that pain away.

The last thing you want to do is focus on YOU. Too many I's, me's, and we's in your marketing will turn your customers off. Focus on them and what you can offer them.

Lastly, I HATE it when people say "I can buy your house in 5 days" or "24 hours cash" or something to that effect. Lets be honest and up front. If you're a newbie wholesaler you know d@mn well you are not closing in 24 hours with cash. I simply say I can close fast. When the topic comes up on the phone I let them know the truth. Typically it's a 2-3 week process with the average being closer to 3 weeks. Have I lost a deal because of this disclosure? Nope! Integrity goes a long way in developing trust and earning the seller's business.

Hope this helps. I've read a lot of marketing books and they always seem to harp on this principle. It's worked for me and other investors I know of.

Brian Stone I've been in your position, sometimes I still feel overwhelmed. Real Estate is very vast and there are literally a million ways to make or lose money in real estate.

Are you in a rush? Slooow down. New investors have to leverage one of the only things they have and thats lots of TIME.

Take the time to read and educate yourself. My suggestion is to put off finding deals and spending any real money until you've read and read and read. While you're doing that you become more confident, you become conversational regarding topics of real estate. Eventually you'll find networking with people and finding mentors is easier.

You can make money in any market and don't think for a second that by taking your time right now to educate yourself and build your foundation that you are missing out on a deal. Better to make money when you're ready than to rush things and lose out big time.

While you're reading and starting to network, start saving money. Re evaluate your situation and see if there is anything you can do to save more. Work on your credit if you have to.

You will never feel 100% ready to tackle your first deal but by taking it slow at first and developing your knowledge, increasing your network, saving more money, and building your credit (if you have to), you will be in a better position to make your first deal.

Also, I agree with the FHA strategy if you want to go that route. Hope this helps.

Glenn

Just utilize the knowledge that you have and stick to your numbers. You sound like you're in the perfect position to flip properties.

Best of luck, the first one is always the hardest.

Why are you contacting them? Do you have a deal that you're trying to move?

Seems to me like you're putting the cart before the horse...

I've yet to used them but will be experimenting with it in my market in the near future (on rentals initially).

Concrete countertops have come a long way and a lot of them are actually pretty attractive now.

One way to market them is to emphasize their eco friendly and healthy benefits. Throw all that "carbon footprint" saving the earth stuff out the window, though - you'll through off potential buyers. Have the info available for people who want to geek out, but don't focus on it when marketing the feature.

Focus on its hypoallergenic benefits especially for people with young kids. Concrete is easy to clean, doesn't harbor allergens, and unlike some countertops choices, won't harbor mold. You may pull some heart strings with concerned mothers and that might be all you need to get a sale.

Be careful, a few other easy and cheap rehab decisions and you'll be fast on your way to a "green" property. :)

Welcome to BP James Smith Moore! Sounds like you have quite the entrepreneur background. Real estate should fit you well.

I love the attitude and I love the fact that you've already taken steps towards your real estate career.

Best of luck, stay active, engage the community, and when a deal comes by post it on here for others to analyze.

Glenn