All Forum Posts by: Robert Laird

Hey Ursula!

We personally use AnswerFirst which has seemed to work fine for us so far. However, here is a link to a website that rates different virtual receptionist services: http://virtual-receptionist.org/

Hope this helps!

Rob

Hi Mary!

Welcome to bigger pockets! It is a great way to make new business connections. I personally do not do any investing in Florida, however I would utilize the zip code search under the Network tab at the top. That way you can find people locally that are looking for an agent. Good luck with your real estate endeavors!

Rob

Hi Shelia!

Welcome to Bigger Pockets! Even if you feel like your background is very little, bigger pockets is a great resource to learn all about the different facets of real estate and network with people all over the country. There are plenty of reasources on this site so don't be afraid to use them to get that passive in come in 5-10 years. Best of luck!

Rob

Brandon,

Another method you might want to try is direct mail. You can order postcards or yellow letters from various websites online for cents on the dollar. This seems to be a more effective marketing strategy for lots of people. Mostly because it gets the paper in a persons hands with out having to drive door to door. You can get lists of addresses from title companies or other data providers as well. This will help get your name out there. Hope this helps!

Rob

Cesar,

I agree that white letters definitely give a more professional feel especially when it is on letter head and signed. Your correct that the yellow letters are supposed to give a more personal feel which is why a lot of companies print yellow letters with hand written fonts. However, I believe the response you get will depend on who you are targeting. If you send your white letters to people with 50% or higher equity in their house, they may be more likely to get back to you. While your leads that own 49% or less equity on their house, you send the yellow letters to. Or some variation of this. The main point I am getting at is know who you are targeting for your various direct mail campaigns and then tailor your mail pieces to attract those people specifically. In addition, you should have the white letter people call your corporate voicemail box and your yellow letters call the personal mail box. That would also be a good way to see the difference between your response rates on the two letters. Hope this helps!

Rob Laird

@Alan King Thanks for the feed back! 

"calls I received from yellow letters were tire kickers wanting to know who I was and why I thought there house was for sale. I got a few angry callers too asking me not to mail them anymore."

I didn't really think about that, but it is a really good point. I am sure the letters get a more hostile response because it appears as if it is coming from an individual, unlike the people who respond to the postcards know it is mass mailed and don't care. I have also heard stories of angry people writing yellow letters back. I agree with you and think that although postcards give a lower response rate the quality of the leads is better.

@Cody Alexander Thanks for the yellowletters.com services! We have ordered several postcard campaigns from you and they are always effective. Keep up the good work!

@Nick Williamson I agree with you that there are tons of variables to consider before you have an good marketing game plan. The only real way to know what works is through trial and error. I think we will need to do a couple more campaigns before we get an idea of what works in the Portland market though. Thanks for the advice!

-Rob

So recently we have been having a discussion here about whether we should invest in postcard mailers or yellow letter mailers. Then the discussion comes down to whether we should pay for a larger quantity of cheaper postcards or less postcards, but larger and higher quality. Has anyone ever tried both of these strategies and if so what seemed to work best for you? Anyone with experience please provide feedback on what your response rates were like. Just trying to get a feel of what gets the best response for your buck. Thanks everyone!

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/25...

Here is a good article about starting out wholesaling. I thought it helped me personally and I hope it helps you start out too!

I agree. I think if you recognize that a tenant is taking care of your property that tenant might be more likely to keep the place nice in the long run which would help you. It is always good to try and stay on good terms with them. Showing tenants that you notice how they maintain the place is a great way to keep the relationship on good terms. 

Jade,

If the figures you gave were correct and it all goes according to plan it does sound amazing like you said. However, one thing you should keep in mind with 14 one bedroom apartments is the up keep. Unless you hire an on-site manager, you would be the first go to if a problem was wrong with someones unit. In addition, if you are living in one of the units in the complex these service requests or complaints will come knocking on your door at anytime of day. If the work and maintenance is something you and your husband are looking forward to then by all means. But if the two of you are just looking for a way to get passive income and a free living arrangement, there are easier ways to do that then managing apartments on your own. Hope this helps!

Rob