How to get a good start in real estate investing?

[Michael M.]

Ladies and gentlemen I'm at a crossroads. I'm a big fan of Michael Quarrels. I think he's the smartest real estate investor there is. But Michael Quarrels is a licensed broker which gives him lock box access, and allows him to write his own offers. So I figured I follow in his footsteps and get my license before I pay him to mentor me.

I recently spoke to broker#1 who has several small offices. He's looking for a full time go getter. He's asking $750 (overpriced) as far as his price to help me get to licensed in 2 months. I also met with a Keller Williams broker#2 who has a real estate class ($250) for 1/3 the cost and also has several brokerages.

The Keller Williams program is cheaper and faster (6 weeks).

Both offer me only a real estate license and no pay check until I close a deal.

My plan is to get my real estate license, while I work a day job to get an apartment. Then pay Michael Quarrels to mentor me and I follow his program to the promised land or go bust.

I understand real estate investing doesn't require a real estate license, however I'm shy of the $100,000 Michael Quarrels recommends to start his program. That and my living situation isn't that great. The job and apartment plan while I study, get licensed, and then study again to go for the real prize, wholetailing (buying at 50 or 65/100 and selling for 100% of as is value, no rehab).

Please advise if I'm on the right track and or if you tried this and found out another path is more practicle. Thanks.

[Ricky Hudgins]

I just listened to one of the BiggerPockets podcasts and I've noticed that more than one guest has said not to pay for a mentor. They have said find a person at local real estate investors associations and meet people that are doing what you want to do and bring them in on deals and have them mentor you through partnerships. All the guest speakers I've heard on the podcast have said that you need to bring value to your mentor but not straight up buying their program.