Anyone have experience with Smart Start University in Cleveland?

Question

I'm considering this training because it's condensed into 4 days and gives me a wealth of local resources and other investors to network with. I realize I can probably find equivalent information either on BP or other REI  websites. But the problem I find with that is all the conflicting information - especially when it comes to investing in northeast Ohio.

My original interest was to start in wholesaling and eventually working up to rehabs/flips. All the other online training seminars/gurus that I've looked at failed to mention that wholesaling in Ohio without a realtors license is illegal if done the way they are  instructing. I thank the many folks on BP who've brought this to my attention.  NONE of the online wholesale "experts" ever mentioned Point Of Sale requirements that many cities have which essentially make wholesaling IMPOSSIBLE the way they all tout.  This is the kind of information that working with a local (Ohio) based training company shares as part of their core training. That one fact (which Smart Start University brought to my attention) has completely made me reassess whether or not I even want to get involved with wholesaling.

I find value in working with local investors/educators who know the reality of wholesaling (or investing in general) in Ohio. I don't mind paying them for their knowledge if it means avoiding the many mistakes they made so I don't have to. And it definitely fills in the blanks that the countless online gurus/educators fail to mention in their sales materials.

So my question to anyone who's read this far is, have you gone through the Smart Start University program? If so, did you feel it helped you in your REI career? Would you recommend it to a family member or close friend?

Rick Bettcher · Answer

I believe it was $2300. If I re-take the classes again (which is a nice perk) and take advantage of the resources I would say it could be worth the investment. If nothing else, it better helped me understand what's involved in flipping properties in NE Ohio. There are a lot of specific things that Jason and his team know that makes the program unique to this part of the country. For example, prior to taking the course I only had a cursory understanding of wholesaling based on what some of the big money RE gurus teach. However, once you understand how Ohio law works (which is part of what is taught in the class) you quickly realize that it's definitely not as simplistic as you may have been lead to believe. And in many cases, if you do what they teach, you could end up in a LOT of legal trouble. If you're a total newbie RE investor, I'd say it's a good way to get a crash course on the subject. In doing so, you may also realize it's not what you thought it was and save additional money down the road by NOT continuing to throw good money after bad when it comes to buying yet another RE training course.

Cal C. · Answer

How much do they want?  In all likelihood every piece of information they offer you will be available free on BP.

Aaron Westerburg · Answer

@Rick Bettcher

I saw your post on here, and figured I'd chime in. I have not taken the course at SSU, but I have checked out their facilities and I know Jason pretty well. I think that the info is great for newby investors, or people looking to expand their real estate knowledge under the tutelage of experienced professionals. Jason is a licensed real estate agent with his own brokerage, and I know he would not risk his livelihood by teaching people illegal real estate practices. Despite what some people are telling you, wholesaling is not illegal in Ohio, if you follow the rules. Like anything else in real estate, there are right ways and wrong ways of doing things. A lot of the typical guru info out there would be illegal in Ohio, but SSU will teach you the rules of the game so that you are not breaking laws. Jason and his team have a lot of experience, and I think having a brick and mortar facility where you can go learn and network is a much better program than anything else out there that you will find. Best of luck to you, Aaron

Account Closed · Answer

Hey Rick,

I was online looking up reviews on SSU and I found your post....I am a huge fan of BP and I use the podcasts as a learning tool all the time.

I am curious as to what you decided to do since your post? I am thinking about signing up with Jason only because I feel it would help me to get started on the right foot with less mistakes and some good connections in Cleveland.

Roger Burzanko · Answer

@Rick Bettcher  Just curious how much it cost you to attend SSU?  Do you feel you got your money's worth out of the classes?

Rick Bettcher · Answer

I did take the course. Jason was the instructor. While he does cater it to newbies, there's A LOT to comprehend. Maybe trying to absorb so much info over the course of two weekends is a bit more than my brain can currently handle. I do like the fact that once you've paid for it, you can re-take it as you see fit. I may take it again but in the weekday format as I believe having the information parsed out in smaller bite size pieces may help me better comprehend and retain the info.

Steven Gesis · Answer

great question!

Rick Bettcher · Answer

Thanks for your feedback, Aaron. That definitely helps.

Brenda Lyons · Answer

Better get license to be safe than sorry 😞

Matt Motil · Answer

We should grab coffee. Too much to type.

Anyone have experience with Smart Start University in Cleveland?

Most Popular Reply