How is this different from a generic CRM or client-portal suite?
Generic systems are horizontal toolboxes. DealStrand starts with one of two real-estate operating models: Investment & Development or Brokerage. Each dedicated installation includes its own pipeline and controls, plus CRM, documents, e-sign, mail, AI and integrations.
Why does Investment & Development cost more?
It carries a broader operational footprint: underwriting intake, borrower files, lender rooms, loan packages, scopes of work, contractor bids, work evidence and draw packages. Brokerage remains purpose-built and is priced as the narrower workflow rather than being forced into the same commercial package.
What exactly do I get in the 7-day trial?
Access to the selected product with sample data, so you can evaluate its pipeline, CRM, documents and product-specific workflow. Outbound actions remain safely limited until a subscription and payment arrangement are deliberately activated.
Do my outside users need WordPress accounts?
No. Clients, buyers, lenders and contractors use controlled portal invitations or signed links for the specific experience. They do not receive WordPress administrator access and do not need to see a WordPress login.
Does it replace QuickBooks or my accounting platform?
No - and it doesn't try to. DealStrand is the system of record for deals; your books stay in QuickBooks. Awarded bids and draw packages carry vendor, amount, and line-item detail, and webhooks push them to your accounting stack through Zapier so nothing is re-keyed.
Is the AI making decisions on my deals?
Never. The AI extracts and drafts; the platform computes and you decide. Buy-box scores are deterministic math on your criteria, document freshness is checked in code against the calendar, form fills use verbatim workspace values with a human review step, and the copilot creates a deal only after you approve its proposal.
Who owns the data, and can I leave?
You own it, full stop. Export deals, documents, contacts, and audit logs anytime. Your workspace runs on your own subdomain - or your own domain on the Firm plan - and there are no hostage clauses.