"Guru Courses" in general

[Robert Morse]

I have read many discussions here as well as numerous other places on the i-net about the vast array of courses offered on real estate investing. As far as I can ascertain, there are zero, nada, zilch and none that are legit. Apparently, many are (or have been) operated by an outfit in Cape Coral, Florida. One that has recently gained a lot of notoriety is Trump University. The reality, though, is that, without exception, all of these "training" programs operate exactly the same way: Free seminar, $2K seminar, $20K training, expensive mentoring. In short, no matter how hard one works, the repeatable successes just don’t exist. Further, they have cranked out so many "wholesaling robots" that you can throw a rock in any direction and hit ten of them.

The point here is this: The only way to put a halt to all of their shenanigans is to cut them off at the pass. If you haven’t already signed up for one of these programs, don’t. If you have, and feel like you’ve been ripped off, file complaints with the BBB (usually these outfits are registered in Utah), the Attorneys General in your home state as well as where they are registered, and with the Federal Trade Commission. If enough people file complaints, the agencies that are responsible for being the watchdogs will start paying attention and play "Whack-A-Mole" as soon as they pop up.

I know that some of you are thinking, "If you get sucked in, it’s your own fault!" All I can say is, these guys are very good at what they do! Further, if they actually delivered on their promises, it would be a bargain at twice the price. Unfortunately, all one is left with is a bunch of unfulfilled promises: no real knowledge, no affordable funding, no anything that can’t be had elsewhere for a lot less money, and would probably be better, more accurate information, since it would be localized.

To borrow a phrase, "Good night, and good luck!"

[Jeff Rabinowitz]

Really? There are no courses that have any value? You must know everything and have the time to keep learning the ever changing rules and regulations on your own. I am not so fortunate. Or, perhaps, I am. I know that there are always things I can learn and skills I can improve. I have attended many valuable educational sessions covering real estate sales, purchases, rehab, laws, regulations, contracts, structure, construction, etc. I have even paid for many of them and many times I felt the tuition was fair. (There were some courses that I felt were overpriced but if I can pull a couple nuggets out of a session that make me a couple grand or meet someone else attending the session who I do a couple deals with it is still a good investment of time and money.) 

One should do some research before spending many thousands of dollars on general motivational courses but if that is what it will take for someone to get involved in changing their life that could be worth it. I do not advocate that approach but I do know a few people who spent large amounts on motivational type seminars who ended up determined to earn back what they spent and more--they were successful. (I know the large majority of people aren't.) I have heard and believe that most people who purchase courses never even unwrap them or read them. Does that mean the course had no value or that the purchaser wasn't ready to learn?

I know of no faster way to familiarize myself with new concepts or techniques than reading books and/or attending sessions that deal with those techniques. The very important bonus involved in attending sessions is that one can often meet other attendees or the speakers themselves who one may be able to do future business with. I have found that continuing my education allows me to recognize opportunities I would not have been aware of or known how to pursue. The returns are much greater than the costs.