REIA's - worth it for new investors?

[Elizabeth Sky]

There are no investment groups in my close vicinity. Nor have I been able, at this point, to find a mentor. I have noticed REIA, as a possibility to get other investors together...can anyone vouch for them or have other ideas they could share?

[J Scott]

REIAs are definitely good for some things:

- Networking
- Getting some basic real estate education
- Finding lenders

But, you're going to want to ensure that you don't fall into some of the common REIA traps:

- High priced seminars
- "Shark" mentors who charge ridiculous fees and try to take advantage of newbies
- Too many other newbies who will waste your time/energy because they're not really serious

I'm a big fan of getting the good stuff out of REIAs...just make sure you avoid the bad stuff...