REmail vs DealMachine: Which Is Better for Real Estate Direct Mail?

DealMachine is one of the most popular apps among real estate investors, and for good reason—their driving-for-dollars feature is genuinely useful. But when it comes to direct mail specifically, is it the best option?

I've seen a lot of investors default to DealMachine's built-in mail feature without considering alternatives. In this comparison, I'm going to break down where DealMachine excels, where it falls short, and how REmail approaches direct mail differently.

Let's go ahead and jump into it.

Quick Comparison: REmail vs DealMachine

Before we get into the details, here's the high-level comparison:

The key insight: these are different tools for different use cases. DealMachine is a driving-for-dollars app with mail as an add-on. REmail is an end-to-end direct mail solution.

What is DealMachine?

DealMachine started as a driving-for-dollars app and has evolved into a comprehensive real estate investing platform. Here's what it offers:

Core Features

Driving for Dollars: This is DealMachine's signature feature. While driving through neighborhoods, you can:

• Point your phone at a property to get instant owner info
• Mark properties of interest with photos
• Track your driving routes to avoid duplication
• Access property data instantly in the field

AI Assistant (Alma): DealMachine includes an AI-powered assistant that helps with:

• Property analysis and deal evaluation
• Calculating offer prices
• In-call guidance during seller conversations
• Identifying properties via satellite and street view imagery

List Building: Beyond driving, you can build lists using:

• 700+ data points and 70+ filters
• MLS expired listings
• Foreclosure status
• USPS vacancy data
• Absentee owner filters

Skip Tracing: All plans include unlimited skip tracing—no per-record charges. This is a significant value add compared to platforms that charge $0.10-0.15 per lookup.

Pricing Breakdown

DealMachine uses subscription pricing:

Note that you're paying a monthly fee whether or not you send mail. The best per-piece rates require the highest subscription tier.

Who DealMachine Is Built For

DealMachine makes the most sense for investors who:

• Actively drive for dollars as their primary lead generation strategy
• Want property lookup and skip tracing in a mobile app
• Need quick access to owner info while in the field
• Value the AI features for deal analysis
• Are okay with subscription-based pricing

If driving for dollars is your thing, DealMachine is excellent at what it does.

What is REmail?

REmail takes a different approach. We're focused entirely on direct mail—specifically, automating the entire process from data to contract.

End-to-End Direct Mail Solution

Here's what we mean by end-to-end:

1. Data Segmentation - Connect your data sources (PropertyRadar, PropStream, your CRM)
2. Content Creation - Design or choose from templates for postcards, letters, snap packs
3. Contact Strategy - Set up multi-touch sequences with varied formats
4. Mail Fulfillment - Printing, addressing, and mailing handled automatically
5. Data Reporting - Track deliveries, responses, and campaign performance
6. Contract - Close deals with motivated sellers

We handle the logistics so you can focus on answering calls and closing deals.

Pricing (No Monthly Fees)

REmail uses straightforward per-piece pricing:

No monthly fees. No minimums. You pay for what you send.

Who REmail Is Built For

REmail makes the most sense for investors who:

• Send direct mail at scale (1,000+ pieces/month)
• Want multiple mail format options (not just postcards)
• Prefer pay-as-you-go over subscriptions
• Need automation via API/webhooks
• Already have data sources and need fulfillment

If direct mail is a core part of your marketing strategy, REmail is purpose-built for that.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Let's dig into the specifics.

Direct Mail Capabilities

Mail Formats:

This is a significant difference. For many motivated seller lists—especially probate leads and pre-foreclosure lists—letters consistently outperform postcards. DealMachine doesn't offer letters at all.

Snap packs (tri-fold mailers that look like official documents) have some of the highest open rates in direct mail. Again, DealMachine doesn't offer them.

If you're limited to postcards, you're leaving response rate on the table.

Per-Piece Pricing:

DealMachine's lowest postcard rate ($0.55) is slightly below REmail's ($0.60), but you need the $232/month subscription to get it. At lower volumes, REmail wins on total cost.

Data & Skip Tracing

DealMachine's Advantage: Unlimited skip tracing is included in all plans. If you're skip tracing thousands of records per month, this adds real value.

REmail's Approach: We integrate with data platforms rather than building our own. Connect PropertyRadar, PropStream, or your CRM, and we handle mail fulfillment. Skip tracing happens in your data source.

This means you're not locked into one data provider. Use whatever platform gives you the best data for your market.

Automation & Integration

REmail: Built for automation. Our API and webhook support lets you:

• Trigger mail automatically when records match criteria
• Connect directly to PropertyRadar for real-time list updates
• Integrate with CRMs for seamless workflow
• Build custom automation without manual exports

DealMachine: More limited integration options. You can export lists, but there's no webhook-triggered automation for direct mail.

If automation matters—and it should if you're scaling—REmail has a significant advantage here.

Pricing & Value

Let's run the numbers on a realistic scenario.

Scenario: 1,000 postcards/month

REmail saves $182-219/month on postcards alone.

Scenario: 1,000 letters/month

If you want to send letters—which you should for high-intent lists—DealMachine isn't an option.

The Integration Play: Use Both

Here's the thing: REmail and DealMachine don't have to be either/or. Many investors use both.

DealMachine for Data, REmail for Mail

The workflow looks like this:

1. Drive for dollars with DealMachine to identify properties
2. Build lists using DealMachine's data and skip tracing
3. Export lists from DealMachine
4. Upload to REmail for mail campaigns
5. Send letters, postcards, or handwritten through REmail

This gives you:

• DealMachine's excellent D4D app and property lookup
• DealMachine's unlimited skip tracing
• REmail's full range of mail formats
• REmail's lower per-piece pricing (for most volumes)
• REmail's automation capabilities

How to Connect Your Workflow

If you're already using DealMachine:

1. Export your target list as CSV
2. Upload to REmail
3. Select your mail format and template
4. Launch your campaign

If you're using PropertyRadar with REmail:

1. Set up your list criteria in PropertyRadar
2. Connect webhook to REmail
3. New records automatically trigger mail
4. No manual exports needed

The right setup depends on your existing tools and workflow.

Verdict: Which Should You Choose?

Choose DealMachine if:

• Driving for dollars is your primary lead generation strategy
• You want property lookup and skip tracing in one mobile app
• You're comfortable with subscription pricing
• Postcards are your only mail format
• You value the AI features for deal analysis

Choose REmail if:

• Direct mail is a core marketing strategy (not just an add-on)
• You want multiple mail formats (letters, snap packs, handwritten)
• You prefer pay-per-piece over subscriptions
• You need automation via API/webhooks
• You already have data sources and need fulfillment

Use both if:

• You drive for dollars AND send substantial direct mail volume
• You want DealMachine's D4D features AND REmail's mail capabilities
• You need letters or handwritten mail (DealMachine doesn't offer these)

For most serious direct mail campaigns, REmail offers better value. But if DealMachine is already part of your workflow, the integration approach gives you the best of both.

FAQ

Is DealMachine worth it for direct mail only?

Not really. DealMachine's value is in the driving-for-dollars app with integrated property lookup and skip tracing. If you're only doing direct mail, you're paying $99-232/month for features you won't use. A dedicated mail platform like REmail (no monthly fees) will be more cost-effective.

Can I use DealMachine data with REmail?

Yes. You can export lists from DealMachine and upload them to REmail for mail fulfillment. This gives you DealMachine's property data and driving-for-dollars tools combined with REmail's broader mail format options and lower per-piece pricing.

What mail formats does DealMachine offer?

DealMachine primarily offers postcards, with bulk pricing ranging from $0.55-0.72 per piece. They don't offer letters, snap packs, or handwritten mail—formats that often generate higher response rates for targeted campaigns.

Does REmail have a driving-for-dollars feature?

No. REmail is focused entirely on direct mail automation and fulfillment. For driving for dollars, you'd use DealMachine or another property lookup app, then send the lists to REmail for mail campaigns.

Which is cheaper: REmail or DealMachine?

REmail is significantly cheaper for direct mail. REmail has no monthly fees and charges $0.60/postcard, while DealMachine requires a $99-232/month subscription plus $0.55-0.72/postcard. For a 1,000-piece campaign, REmail costs $600 vs DealMachine's $649-952+.

Get Started with REmail

If you're ready to level up your direct mail campaigns with more format options, better pricing, and true automation, REmail is built for you.

Check out our pricing—no monthly fees, just pay for what you send. Or see our services to learn how we automate the entire direct mail process.

Already using DealMachine? Export your next list and try sending through REmail. You might be surprised at the difference.