All Forum Posts by: George Maka

@Matt Ellis  No, it's not weird and I do it sometimes because I get bad reception on my Google phone number. As soon as you start talking about interest in their property, they'll forget about your phone number.

George

@Robert Chuang  There is no definitive time frame on when a business should have a website. Like mailers, bandit signs, or online ads, a website should be used as another form of marketing. In my opinion, a website is not needed when starting out, especially if you have no web design or online marketing experience. If anything, this is going to deflect your focus from your main goal, which should be finding deals. 

This being said, we do live in a technology age, and having a website where people can find more info on you does help. Just don't forget the main goal of real estate investing, finding the deal. So if you believe that the business cards, the website, t-shirts, logos or whatever will help you get more deals, then go for it, just make sure you understand the marketing behind what you are spending money on.

George

@Angie Stephens Have you thought about keeping your current home and refinancing to use the equity towards the purchase of another home as a rental? If you want to buy-and-hold, there's no need to sell your home, if you can take some equity out and use it towards another purchase.

George

@Jaye W. At the top under menu "Resources" go to "FilePlaces" and there's both types of contracts from other members. Also, you can try contacting your local realtors and asking them for a purchase agreement contracts.

Thanks,

George

Reach out to @James Wise as he invest and operates a managing company in Cleveland, OH. 

George

@Lonnie Zinnamon Your goal as a wholesaler is to find motivated sellers. Other than calling and gathering the basic information about the property, you need to determine their motivation to sell. As a wholesaler, you are not in the business of buy retail, so finding a motivated seller is important as they are more likely to sell lower and quicker. 3 questions that I like to always ask are;

What do you want to have happen?

Why are you looking to sell?

If we can come to an agreement, how soon can you sell the property?

I build some rapport and weave these questions into the conversation, but I use this to help gauge the seller's motivation. If I feel they are motivated, I will schedule a meeting to view the property.

I would suggest to browse around the forums and blogs on Bigger Pockets as there is a wealth of information that will help you build a solid foundation for wholesaling. Also, I highly recommend listening to podcast to help learn wholesaling. A few of my favorites specifically for wholesaling are Sean Terry, Flip to Freedom, and Matt Theriualt, Epic Pro Real Estate.

Best of luck and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thanks,

George 

@John Carlo Gallo As someone who currently lives in Irvine, I am familiar with the area and rent and sounds like you have a great situation on your hands. My suggestion would be to keep the condo and pull equity out to put a down payment on another property. Whether you put the money back into California or out-of-state depends on the numbers making sense for you and you are receiving a positive cash-flow, your comfort level of managing the property yourself or hiring a property manager as well as a understanding other markets. 

George

@Amanda Cadena Owner financing can be a great option as long as the terms make sense for you. If she gives you favorable terms and assuming that you are marking the price up or cash flowing on the lease option and she is aware of that, then I would go right ahead and make an offer. 

George

@Crystal Williams Welcome to the community! 

You are going to find a wealth of information through these boards and it can get overwhelming, but just keep asking your questions. If you aren't already, make sure to browse through the blogs and guides on Bigger Pockets as they are a big help.

Also, resources that have been a great help for me in the beginning were the many real estate podcasts available. Of course, Bigger Pockets, Epic Pro Real Estate and House Flipping HQ are a few that I highly suggest. Also, check out Youtube videos as a resource and look into your local REIA (Real Estate Investing Association), as this is a great way to network with other investors and find deals.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need anything.

George

@Matt Ellis Great start! I would suggest to just be consistent on finding sellers. Keep it simple and remember that the goal is to find motivated sellers. Experiment with your campaigns and try to track the responses that you are receiving from them. For example, if sending yellow letters, change the way you write the name and address on the envelope, or the actual message or the way you stuff the envelope. If you have online campaigns, use analytics to track your clicks. 

Other than that, I don't think I saw it on your list, but try calling FSBOs. You can find them through owner-specific websites, Craigslist, Ebay or other sites. 

George