I'm new doing direct mailers...

Oregon is nice, wet and cooler than SoCal.  Longer days in summer as we are 850 north of you.  We have no sales taxes but a higher property tax.  Friendly folks, nothing like SoCal.

This is not easy work and it is not easy to get work in the beginning.  Takes time, effort and lots of persistence to build a clientele.  I was in RE loans for an S&L back in the early 80s.  Yes, when the market was great I would make $20K /month.  You need something special to make it in the lean times. 

Right now, we are heading toward the slow times which means it is not the most ideal time to start this business.  If you are up to the challenge and are willing to give it 110% you might do well.  There are NO get rich schemes that work in this business.  Referrals and repeat business are key.  Just like P&L insurance.  Ask any insurance agent with a company like State Farm or Farmers.  Planting the seeds is the first (and mandatory) step to having a good harvest.

You do the same thing is loans.  Visiting the same offices, seeing the same agents, getting out to open houses.  Doing the same thing, day in and day out, is the only formula I know that works.

But, that is just what I have experienced over the years.