[jimhi]

You both are right that you won't get into many of the "hot" deals, but I don't believe there's enough data to show those turns into the best returns.

I have also gotten into a hot deal or two as a nobody. I write to the ones I am interested as early as possible with what I like about what they're doing, what I think would be helpful advice, and how my experience may be relevant. I also write checks same day.

That said, its a numbers game, just like any form of sales.