In an industry where timing is everything, the gap between a “lead” and a “closed deal” is often filled with tedious manual labor. In a recent deep-dive discussion, John Lee sat down with Aldo Chandra, a 7-year real estate professional turned tech founder, to discuss how AI-driven CRM software is changing the game for investors.
From Toll Brothers to Tech Founder: The Entrepreneurial Shift
Aldo’s journey didn’t start with automation. It began in the corporate world at Toll Brothers, where he rotated through various departments to understand the foundational mechanics of property development.
Aldo emphasizes the “Learn and Earn” philosophy. His transition from a stable corporate role to a startup environment allowed him to manage multiple development projects simultaneously, providing the pressure cooker needed to forge his entrepreneurial skills.
The Power of AI in Real Estate Wholesaling
The core of Aldo’s current focus is a comprehensive platform that combines data analysis, automation, and AI agents.
Why AI Agents are Non-Negotiable
- Lead Pre-Qualification: The software uses AI to handle initial conversations, filtering out unmotivated sellers.
- Automated Deal Evaluation: Sophisticated tools allow both novice and pro investors to assess property value instantly.
- Consistency: Unlike human callers, AI agents don’t get tired of repetition, ensuring every lead is touched.
Aldo notes that while the software is powerful, he recommends new users start with manual operations at the lower tiers to understand the fundamentals of the business before fully automating.
The Human Element: Sales Skills and Mentorship
Despite the focus on technology, both John and Aldo agreed that rapport-building is the heartbeat of real estate.
“While tools like AI are helpful, meaningful connections and rapport-building are crucial for closing high-value deals.”
How to Find a Real Estate Mentor
Aldo shared a specific strategy for those seeking guidance:
- Demonstrate Effort First: Don’t ask for a mentor until you have encountered specific challenges you’ve tried to solve yourself.
- Ask Targeted Questions: High-level mentors respond better to specific scenarios than “Can I pick your brain?”
- Character Matters: Mentors look for preparation and genuine initiative before committing their time.
Future Collaboration and Market Outlook
The conversation concluded with a look at the evolving landscape of real estate licenses. John and Aldo discussed how investors can leverage a license for better deal sourcing and listing opportunities, creating a hybrid model of wholesaling and traditional brokerage.
Final Thoughts
The future of real estate investing is a hybrid of high-tech automation and high-touch sales skills. Aldo Chandra’s journey proves that while software can find the deal, your character and your network close it.
