All Forum Posts by: Lawrence Sudweeks

To me, Cost per mailer is the wrong number to focus on. What is more important is the response ratio for different types of mailings. If one postcard mailing costs you .40 cents each including postage, but only has a 1% response ratio, it is not as good a deal as one that may cost 3-4 times the price, but has a 20% response ratio. I would pay 3 times as much to get 15 times the result, wouldn't you? I've been using a very personalized mailing system that has been super effective. My mailings generate confidence, trust, and professionalism that most are missing. I'd be happy to share some of my techniques that work really well if you want to pm me.

welcome Crystal. I'm from Pocatello and am planning to attend the REIclub in Idaho Falls this Thursday. It is going on as planned. The address is 820 Saturn Ave.  I have been very impressed with our attorney in Blackfoot, as well as a great accountant there as well.  Feel free to contact me if you need more information, or I'll see you at the event Thursday at 6:30. 

-Lawrence Sudweeks

406-3057

Getting good at finding deals is very important even if you are looking to buy and hold.  Much of your profit will come when you find the deal.  If you don't run your numbers carefully, you may find your expences excede what you take in each month.  Rentals can be scary if you are only using the profits of one or two to live off of the income.  What happens when you need to do a major repair, or you have a tenant that leaves and it is empty for 3-6 months?  

This is why many investors start with very safe strategies to begin with until they have built up some cash flow and can expand into other long term and holding stratigies with less risk.  Learn all you can about how to locate motivated sellers, and distressed properties.  If you start with strataties like Bird Dogging and Wholesaling first, it can help you with your cash flow problems quickly and better prepare you to find deals for yourself.  There are Hard Money Lenders who don't look at your credit score or income that will help you wholesale deals if all the pieces are in place.  For instance, you may find a distressed property that needs a lot of work.  The house is not on the market, and you have developed relationships with real estate investors in the area.  If the house is worth 150K and needs 20K of reparis, but you have negotiated a contract with the seller to purchase it for  $65K, you can find an investor that would be willing to purchase the home wholesale from you for $75K, and they will do the rehab and flip.  If you learn how to do it right, it will not cost you little to no money up front, and you will pay the fees to the Hard Money Lender out of the extra money you get for finding the deal, and wholesailing it to another investor.   

It is worth taking time to educate yourself on the process first, but it can be done regardless of your credit history and current financial situation.

I wish you the best and congratulations on being open to look for other avenues to reach your financial goals. 

It is fantastic to meet positive, influential people who are going places.  I look forward to adding value to the lives of others.  Welcome aboard Lynn.  New to Bigger Pockets, but not to investing?  Happy networking and learning!

I feel if the property you are looking for is on the MLS, it is too late. Using strategies, you can find the best deals before they are listed with a realtor. I would still use a realtor to close the deal, but finding a property that is in distress, or finding owners who need an exit strategy is a good way to find great deals.

I'm Lawrence Sudweeks. I have loved my piano tuning career of 20 years, however, it has not been providing for my family in the maner I desire.  I took the Real Estate Intensive course in Salt Lake City in November 2015.  I am an Out of the Box thinker, and love brainstorming ideas with others.  I have lots of experience in marketing.  I love learning and am soaking up as much info as possible.  I found BiggerPockets while searching for more knowledge. 

My first strategies will include wholesale and lease options.  As I get comfortable with the process, I will also get into rehap flips, and fix and hold strategies.  I'd love to network with positive, like minded individuals.  I'm looking forward to learning how I can add value to you.  Let's meet!