Bird Dog Business Question
I have posted about a group that want million plus houses and other perhaps rental properties. They supposedly pay well ($5000-$10000) just for a puppy like me 
With no risk (except my time and expenses?). But they have a questionnaire and it seems that they would like appraisal done professionally. The questionnaire accepts owner guestimate - but to do the job right they need COMP. so here is my question do they expect me as an independent contractor to appraise the home on my own expense and if so would it be prudent to become a pro appraiser and bill them if they choose beside the supposed fee? Anyone experienced birddog who has an opinion? Mr Locke?
[ Edited by gambler56 on Date 05/10/2004 ][ Edited by gambler56 on Date 05/10/2004 ]
Depending on the area you can do your own comps online. Check your county websites to see if they have tax info listed online.
gambler56,
I do not put any faith whatsoever in these type of groups, it probably is the group spamming everyone with their pie in the sky proposals.
This type of send me the deal and you get paid leaves no indication of how they deal with properties. What are their guidelines for purchasing 50 - 60% of fair market value on million dollar properties.
If you find these type of deals you only need to be a puppy to find investors willing to pay you for the deals without you spending a dime of your own money and make a heck of a lot more than $5 - $10K at least from me and other serious investors I know.
I would pass on these people personally, I have an idea who they are and would not recommend that anyone deal with them.
John $Cash$ Locke
[ Edited by JohnLocke on Date 05/10/2004 ]
I recently responded to an ad that sounds similar. The Ad states "Partners needed". I am told that I need to find properties 1.5m and above, with a minimum $200,000 Spread. They state that a successfull deal will pay $50,000 ($100,000 for Investor and $100,000 split 50/50 between the recruiter and myself). I was also told that I will be paid thru an escrow account. Does this sound like the same group. If so, what would be their motive; Is it to get free leads? I have located a few properties with their criteria, and forwarded information, including Comps. Basically everything except the address and contact info. Seller is very motivated. Is it good practice to give more than one Investor lead information? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I have asked them for referrals and a contract - that was the end of it. NEVER HEARD FROM THEM www.AGAIN.They are not willing to provide me local birddogs who ever got paid and there is no contract to protect me So they are a scam and worst, thieves
To many naive people are willing to work for free and get ripped off by scumbags out there.
Beware.
P.S. I suspect this person has no investors but she is a birddog and tries to get into business the lazy way - by finding patzies.
As John points out you can find investors who will be interested in good deals. Look here, look to local investor groups, run ads, etc. There are definitely people out there who will buy a deal from you if you really have a deal.
John
[addsig]
Always be weary of these types of companies. Anytime you need to provide a questimate of value, you better make sure there's an addedum to the questionaire reagrding that your estimate is not professional as an appraisal service. There should really be no liability since you are not a licensed appraiser, but the state can get you for posing as one for doing such a service.
I was recently sent an email from someone that said they saw my post online. I am not sure if I can post the name of the company here or not, but the said that I would be joining their Bird Dog Program for marketing their Seller-Assist Marketing Program to FSBO's. Is this the same thing as what the rest of you have recieved? And from what I am reading this is some sort of scam correct? I am just getting started in this and don't want to make any mistakes. Bird-dogging sounds like a great place to start but is that what this really is? Thanks.
Washmore,
Glad to meet you.
If you decide to start off bird dogging then you will find investors in your current area to find leads for.
I have not run into many investors who cannot use more leads. They will have no problem paying you for your time.
Some of these deals you see are for e-mail harvesting, they make their money off selling your name to others, just one of many ways they mis-treat the new person just starting out.
John $Cash$ Locke
comps online for approx 100/month or a couple 100 for a real apprasial. spend 300-400 to make 5000?
cjmazur,
What are you talking about? Sometimes your posts are so brief and abbreviated that they make no sense. Try to be a little more complete so we can understand where your going with this. Please!
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks for the response John. I have been doing quite a bit of reading the last few weeks. Alot of info to try and understand. I am taking a real estate course to get a better grasp of the terminology that is used here. Taking it slowly and asking lots of questions. From what I have seen bird-dogging would be another great source of information. My question is how to find an investor that won't take advantage of someone new and be able to give them advice just starting out. I tried to find an investors group in my area but haven't found one yet. What are some of the places to look for investors groups in your local area. Thanks again for all responses. This site is a wonderful tool for anyone to learn about REI.