Personally, I’ve been testing a system: I generate leads through DealMachine I send a mass email I plan to follow up with text campaigns via Launch Control (once my EIN is finalized)But I’m curious…-Are people having more success with phone calls, texts, or emails?

Im based here in Saint Joseph, next town South of Benton Harbor, and work full-time as a real estate agent in the area.I just wanted to jump in and say hello, and share a few quick insights that might help as you're scoping things out:Benton Harbor City proper is very tough for STRs — highly regulated and not the easiest place to start.Benton Harbor Township is very flexible and a pleasure to work with.Also, many investors look at neighboring coastal townships:Hagar Township (just north of BH) – Very STR-friendlyLake Charter Township (a couple towns South of BH)– Also wide open and a strong marketSouth Haven and surrounding townships – More restrictive, often require multiple day minimum stays and may limit frequency of rentals to once a week turnover MAXIMUM.

When our clients bring us wholesale deals, here’s how we help protect their interests:Deal Analysis – We evaluate the numbers to ensure the property aligns with the client’s investment goals.Secure EMD Handling – We require the earnest money deposit (EMD) be held by an attorney or title company—never the wholesaler.Renovation Support – If the property needs work and our client lacks a general contractor, we refer one from our vetted network.Wholesaler Due Diligence – We verify how the wholesaler controls the property, especially if we haven’t worked with them before.Transparent Fee Structure – Once the contract is finalized, we include a line item for our fee so everything is clear and documented.This approach ensures our clients are protected and positioned for success, even in non-traditional transactions.

Even once the temporary work moves on there is often still a need in these smaller towns where these centers are gettign built at least in our market for more permanent or long term housing. 

Quote from @Laura Yelin: Hello BP'sI like Sherman...I lived there for about 3 years many years ago and still sell and rent there.It's a slow wealth building market in my opinion, not get rich quick.Mostly blue collar stable town.

Hey David — welcome to real estate investing and congrats on making the leap toward something you control.

The biggest issue for flippers (and builders) is controlling their cost.

That way you can train them, and have direct control so they do the work at the level that you expect.Let us know what you decide to do!

Perhaps one is in a better market (part of town) or something? 

.* Long-term growth potential* Tax advantages (especially in retirement accounts or with tax-loss harvesting)**Cons:*** No cash flow unless you're dividend-focused* Market volatility: Stocks can drop 20–30%+ in corrections* Less control: You’re a passive participant vs. real estate where you can force appreciationReal Estate Investing – A Smart Supplement:Real estate, especially long-term rentals (LTRs) - could be an ideal complement to your brokerage accounts:* Monthly cash flow for lifestyle freedom* Tax benefits (depreciation, cost segregation, 1031 exchanges)* Appreciation and leverage options* More control over your investmentIf you want something more passive, turnkey rentals in the Midwest or Southeast are great entry points - low-maintenance, managed properties in cash-flowing markets with strong rental demand.You don’t have to choose just one path.