Question from a newbie investor in the DC Area

[Alexandra Q.]

Hi there

So I'm new to real estate investing and I've decided that I need to educate myself a bit more. I registered with a local REI group. The training is not free but I'd rather pay to get trained and mentored by professionals instead of watching YouTube videos and reading books. Especially since I'll get my money worth if I'm able to close deals fast and within the timeframe they proposed. They have great reviews and the courses/programs they offer are actually very interesting, (they offer several, from wholesaling to commercial real estate and everything in between) and I'm basically working with "investor friendly real estate agents". I think that's the correct term.

This organization gave me access to listingbook.com where I can select a few houses, prepare the offers myself and the "investor friendly agent" submits the offers on my behalf. He will also help me close the deal once a seller accepts my offer.

So I'm curious to know if most people are using this model to find motivated sellers? I know there are several ways to find motivated sellers but this one (listingbook.com) seems to be the easiest and most efficient way since 80% of FSBO houses are posted on there and also working with real estate agents? Thoughts?

How much commission does the agent usually get? Is the fee agreed upon at the beginning?

Feel free to point me to other similar posts in the forum.

Thank you 

[Alexandra Q.]

Thanks Russel. I was pretty confused when I created this thread but things are a bit more clear now. I paid $150. I need to be able to speak with someone whenever I have a question and these guys are available for that. I registered for the Gaithersburg meetup but haven't attended one yet. Will do next month.