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Nigel, thanks again for the detailed reply. Nick Tadd and Vanessa Warwick run internet (as well as the full gamut of social media) courses and these will inevitably relate to marketing – but I think it goes beyond marketing in ways which you will understand as I feel that you are instinctively ethical operators.

The reasons I asked all those questions was less for my own benefit, more for anyone thinking of investing in your deals. I know that many more people read these discussions than actually take apart in them. Personally I think your fees are reasonable and in line with the (quite high level of) service you are providing. A more pared-back finding service would command lower fees. You and Colin have presumably researched what the market wants (the true meaning of marketing – not just selling) and are endeavouring to provide it. (I would still advise ALL investors, whether ‘armchair’ or otherwise, to do due diligence on what you are investing in).

The very best of luck to you!

Rich

As a newcomer I have found this thread really useful so thanks to Rich for getting it going and Colin/Vanessa/etc for contributing useful information.

The 'armchair service' idea sounds intriguing and the detailed explanations/costings that have come out of the discussion give it credibility versus other the similar services which seem more like scams.

My starting out strategy BTL is to buy local so I will resist the temptation to look into this further for the time being. Though I may try and attend one of the future seminars.

Its amazing how much knowledge and tips  i have picked up in the 2 weeks since i started and I am feeling much more comfortable about this being a solid part of my investment strategy.

As an aside I am thinking of buying at the start of the year (assuming a good deal can be found)  and I was wondering whether jan/feb or march/april are better parts of the year to find the best deals? Or doesn't it matter and deals can come up at any time?

Hi Haf, if others new and not-so-new to the business find this useful then that is a result for me. I’ve found it pretty useful myself!

The best time to buy in my opinion is right about now in the run up to Christmas, and possibly just after. Domestic buyers are otherwise occupied and you have less competition from them. Also in July & August – they are all thinking about their hols. My friend just picked up a deal at auction – his first in many months of trying.

If you found it useful would you like to tell Steven on http://www.singingpig.co.uk/forums/1/933312/ShowThread.aspx and persuade him over here for a discussion?

Rich

phatface:

Nigel, thanks again for the detailed reply. Nick Tadd and Vanessa Warwick run internet (as well as the full gamut of social media) courses and these will inevitably relate to marketing – but I think it goes beyond marketing in ways which you will understand as I feel that you are instinctively ethical operators.

Thanks for the mention Rich. More Nick than me, Nick does run a consultancy that helps companies map the web, and deploy their brand on to it, using Web 3.0 mentality.  He has devised a strategy that includes metrics along the way.  What he advocates is more "piping" the web.  As you quite rightly point out Rich, what Nick does bears no relation to marketing in the traditional sense, however, it delivers the same if not better results and future-proofs a business as the younger generation move from social networking to social business networking.  His strategy has been devised to assist a company achieve a strong on-line presence and visibility with a trusted, credible, and consistent brand.

Rich,

As you know I am a cynic when it comes to finders - but this debate has really opened my eyes and I have learnt some valuable info. Thanks ever so much for kicking this off.

Sam

Thanks Sam I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Haf, I get the feeling that you are serious. I know you are meeting up with Lisa at some point. My main area of expertise is construction and I am probably too out-of-area to be involved in any actual works directly, but let me know if there is anything I can help you with by way of advice or questions.

Rich

By the way, I would be very grateful if anyone sees a post offering deals to newbies or anything similar that somehow just doesn’t smell quite right, to let me know, by PM or publicly. I will hang them out to dry.

Rich