Cold calling is a foundational tool for real estate investors, particularly those dealing with wholesale real estate. It gives you direct access to motivated sellers who aren’t listed on the market.
These off‑market opportunities often lead to better deals and less competition than public listings. If your business is built on cold calling, expect to make 100+ calls a day consistently.
Without a rhythm, it’s easy to burn time and money with little to show for it.
David was an electrical engineering student in South Florida when he started cold-calling for his real estate side hustle. Over two busy weeks, he made 1,200 calls, about 120 calls each day.
He did this on top of his college coursework and part‑time job. His hard work paid off. From those calls, he found four motivated sellers ready to move forward.
David says he chose wholesaling because he didn’t want to take out loans. He appreciates that the strategy takes time and effort instead of big cash.
“You don’t need any capital. It is all sweat equity, and I’m willing to work,” he explains.
David’s method is straightforward and repeatable:
This system works well in South Florida’s Broward County, where multiple investors contact the same leads. He says many sellers have already talked to five investors before him. That level of competition demonstrates the significant opportunity available.
What happens when a seller expresses interest but goes quiet? That’s where proper follow‑up matters.
Calling or emailing once isn’t enough. Sellers need time to think or deal with life events. They might be dealing with health issues, moving plans, or family needs.
A mentor once told David, “Treat each seller like your great‑grandma making a big choice.”
That mindset maintains respect and builds trust. The result? When life events shift, a respectful and consistent follow‑up often brings the opportunity back.
To close deals, you need buyers who can move fast. David is building a cash buyer list:
That gives him insight into what deals are most valuable now. Matching seller leads to buyer infers speed and fit. That creates a win‑win for both sides.
Transparency keeps deals together. When David met a seller whose wife was a licensed realtor, he laid it out:
This upfront honesty weeds out sellers who expect full MLS value. That saves time and builds credibility.
David thought about calling in a less competitive market. But after just two weeks, and four hot leads, he realized his current market strategy works. He didn’t need to pivot. His numbers show he’s on track.
The lesson? Numbers speak louder than doubts. Stick with what’s working until data proves otherwise.
Numbers back up David’s experience:
One wholesaler shared: “I did 150–200 calls a day for two months. First deal came at call 3,000.” That shows how worth it it can be with daily focus.
If you’re ready to start cold calling, here’s a simple model:
Track your call numbers and leads weekly. This will show what’s working and what needs fine‑tuning.
Q: How many calls before a first deal?
Most wholesalers see success after 1,000–2,000 calls, though some report their first deals even earlier. Your daily consistency matters most.
Q: Why do sellers ghost you?
Big life decisions like selling a house take time. Sellers might pause, ask family, or explore other options. Respectful follow‑up helps keep the door open.
Q: Can a student or full‑timer do this?
Yes. Many have started while studying or holding a job. The key is fitting in regular call blocks, either before class or after work.
Q: How do I find buyers to match?
Check investor profiles online. Ask local investors in Facebook groups or meetups. Learn what they target and build a tailored list.
Q: Should I switch to a less competitive area?
Only if your current strategy isn't working. Four leads from two weeks of work shows you're on the right path. Let results guide your decisions.
Cold calling is a time-tested path for off‑market real estate leads. David’s story shows that everyday investors can make it work. He built a system, stayed consistent, and stuck with it even when calls didn’t show immediate payoff.
You can do the same:
With patience and effort, your calls will turn into conversations, then offers, then real estate deals.