Purpose of Joining REIA in MD/DC/VA

[Renae Pinkney]

Hey Guys, 

So I went to a local REIA yesterday that was hosting a meetup about how to get started as an invester. Felt really excited about going and potentially joining since I read there are benefits to joining a REIA because you can network and meet potential buyers, mentors. and or potential partners. I was let down by the end because of course they wanted to upsell me on a product to get started in 21 days by following some steps, I declined and left shortly after. The instructor also mentioned membership packages gold starting at $149 which included the product gold+ $199 including the product and mentor and so on. My question or concern is this how REIA's nomally work? Would I have to pay $100/more a month to be apart of an organization? Really need some advice here.