Don't Spend Thousands on an Education You Can Get on BP for Free

You found a great site. It's called BiggerPockets and the fact that you are reading this means you are a member. There are thousands of members who are experienced in all aspects of real estate, thousand of forum posts, blogs, articles and podcasts. Thousands of seasoned investors who are willing to share their knowledge with you. So why do you want spend money on a "guru" system that you heard about at your local REI?

The short answer is that you shouldn't. There is nothing in a paid system that you can't learn here.

My thoughts are the fear of going into the unknown on your own. The fear of making a mistake that could potentially cost you money are what's keeping most people from diving into there first deal. I listened to a podcast where Josh Dorkin and Brandon Turner said that maybe only 10% of people who sign up on this site actually make a move into real estate investing. Here are some things that might help you make the move into real estate.

Learn as Much as you Can: I know this one's obvious. It's actually why you signed up for the site in the first place. But I see just as many newbies who over learn and never make the first step as I see ones who know nothing and have already made the move into trying to make their first deal. Learn the basics of the area on real estate you are interested in. Know the steps you need to make before you make that first step. But once you go in, go all in.

Have a Plan: Even a simple one page step by step plan will help you. It keeps you on track and it gives you a map to follow.

Do Something Towards Real Estate Everyday: Even if it is listening to one podcast, reading one article, or learning one new thing; do something everyday towards your goals.

Find a Mentor: Mentors do not hand hold you through a first deal. Maybe they do, but I would be hard pressed to find someone willing to put that much time and effort into someone. I was lucky and found a mentor from my old high school class. I had drinks with him initially asking for help and he agreed to mentor me. I have emailed him 4 times and called him twice to confirm I know what I'm doing and to get advice over a course of 2 months. If you need to be hand held through a deal, maybe you need to read some Anthony Robbins' books. 

Or Find a Partner: This is the one I see most on BP and you're probably doing it wrong. Partnering up with someone mean that both people bring something to the table. One is an investor that is experiences, has done deals, and knows people. What do you bring? I saw a post from a newbie a week ago and he posted:

"Hi everyone in the Real estate world
My name is XXXXXXXXXX i’m very motivated young real estate investor trying to learn the ropes. I’m not asking anyone to give me any money but more of an opportunity just to learn. So if anyone in North jersey, New York city or Allentown PA area willing to take someone under there wing I would be more then grateful I’m willing to do anything intern, pick up trash anything. (WE ALL HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE SO I’M JUST ASKING YOU TO REMEMBER WHEN U NEEDED A START).

I would mentor this guy in a second.

If you think that maybe I'm not qualified to write this post, just remember, I'm closing on my first property next week. I started 2 months ago and I'm making it happen.