All Forum Posts by: Ashley Wilson

@Henry Clark I completely agree with you. There are several things that I think are helpful. In my experience, the people who have the most success in programs are also people who know their needs, strengths and weaknesses very well.  

Translating that to a process for vetting programs, it would be nice to have a report card that rated everything from a program offering, goals, strengths, weaknesses, price point, time commitment, experience of program, coaches, validated reviews and more. This could provide starting point for a lot of people to explore further, and hopefully limit the mismatch people have experienced with certain programs.

What are your thoughts?

@Sebastian Bennett, as mentioned previously this was not the intent of this post. It was to help people make their own decision on whether or not a coaching program was the right fit for them personally. As you correctly pointed out, that post was on another platform (Instagram). In other words, I am more than happy to discuss with you on that platform, or you can send me a direct message through this one. 

@Sebastian Bennett - this post wasn't supposed to be about our program. If interested in hearing about our program feel free to message me directly, however since several people have already misinterpreted the original intention of this post, I don't want to confuse it further. 

@Henry Clark @Jay Hinrichs This post was never meant to be about me as a Coach...notice my original post. It was actually about my reluctance to join a program,the reason why I ultimately joined one, and the benefits it provided to me. Trying to hypothesize if I had a hidden agenda clearly shows you know nothing about me...which @Jay Hinrichs, you should know at this point as you have commented on my previous posts over the years. The only reason I brought up that I coach in a comment was because I disagree with Henry's approach based on significant experience. Further, I actually referred another coach in one of my comments, and never hyped my own program. If you want to know what I coach or my program, a simple Google search will provide the information. Further, you can ask any student I have individually or privately coached, and I am sure they will agree that I have done nothing but championed for their success.  

@Ryan Irwin thank you! I was actually just talking to a student who joined less than a week ago, but it just so happened to coincide with our goal setting/accountability call. I gave this student direction on finalizing their goals, but also some other steps they could take. Not only have they taken all of those steps, they have taken subsequent steps in less than a week. We have been talking back-and-forth and I am convinced that his action is going to lead to him achieving his annual goals in 3 months. Consistent action is the name of the game when it comes to achieving success. 

@Alecia Loveless I am sorry you had the first two experiences. Our program teaches people how to buy small to large apartments, but we don't pressure people to buy large apartments. I think the best way to safeguard yourself for situations like this is to ask for referrals of current students who joined for the same reason you are interested in learning. If the group doesn't have at least one person who matches the reason you want to join, it is likely that is not their focus. 

With respect to AJ, he is a good friend of mine and I highly recommend him too. I know his program has had a lot of success too.

@Henry Clark I respect your perspective, however in my experience (I have coached over 200 students) the majority of students don't know where to start to analyze a deal. Also, for people who wish to pursue larger real estate ventures, you don't personally need to be able to analyze a deal, and can possibly partner with someone who does or even hire an underwriter. In my experience, there are a range of starting-off experiences, but one's experience is not always indicative of someone's desire/drive/commitment to pursue and thrive in real estate.

@Maria McNally I looked at a few groups, but I think what was more important was analyzing what I wanted/needed and then seeking coaching groups that matched.

Joining a coaching program is a big decision for any real estate investor. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale your portfolio, a coaching program can provide valuable guidance—but it’s not without its downsides. As someone who’s spent years building a real estate business from the ground up, I’ve seen both sides of the equation. Here’s an honest breakdown of the pros and cons to help you determine if investing in a coaching program aligns with your goals.

Pros of Joining a Coaching Program

The most obvious advantage of joining a coaching program is access to experienced mentors. These individuals have often walked the same path you’re on and can provide insights that save you time, money, and stress. Instead of learning through trial and error, you learn from someone else’s mistakes. This will hopefully allow you to leapfrog your way to success!

Another obvious and much-needed benefit of a coaching program is having someone hold you accountable. This can be the difference between setting goals and achieving them. A good coach will push you to take action, focus on the action that creates traction, stay consistent, and follow through on your commitments.

Real estate tends to attract people who have shiny object syndrome. It’s a blessing (the reason you found real estate in the first place) and a curse (you probably get distracted easily on what asset class to focus on). Since it is easy to feel overwhelmed a coaching program provides a clear, step-by-step framework that helps you focus on what matters most. Instead of piecing together information from random online sources, you get a cohesive learning experience.

When you have a coach in your corner, it can significantly boost your confidence. Knowing you have someone to turn to for advice and validation can make navigating challenges feel less intimidating.

The most underrated benefit of joining a coaching program is the networking. Many coaching programs include group sessions, masterminds, or events where you can connect with other like-minded investors. Building relationships with people in the sam

Cons of Joining a Coaching Program

Coaching programs can be expensive, ranging from a few thousand dollars to six figures. While the right program can provide a strong ROI, it's crucial to evaluate whether the cost fits within your budget and aligns with your current investment goals.

Not all coaching programs are created equal. Some are led by seasoned investors with a wealth of knowledge, while others may be run by people with minimal experience. Do your homework before committing to ensure you’re getting real value.

Joining a coaching program requires both time and effort. If you’re not prepared to put in the work, even the best coach in the world won’t be able to help you. Be honest with yourself about whether you’re ready to prioritize your education and growth.

While guidance is valuable, it’s important to maintain your independence as an investor. Over-relying on a coach for every decision can hinder your ability to develop critical thinking skills and confidence in your own judgment.

A coaching program is not a magic pill. Success still depends on your effort, discipline, and ability to execute. If you’re expecting a coach to do the work for you, you may end up disappointed.

How to Decide if a Coaching Program is Right for You

Before investing in a coaching program, ask yourself these questions:

• What are my goals? Be specific about what you want to achieve and whether a coach can help you get there.
• Can I afford it? Consider both the financial cost and the time commitment.
• Have I researched the program? Look for reviews, testimonials, and case studies to gauge the program’s effectiveness.
• Am I ready to put in the work? A coaching program is a partnership, and your success depends on your willingness to take action.

Final Thoughts

A coaching program can be a powerful tool for accelerating your real estate investing journey. But it’s not for everyone. Personally, I started investing in both single-family and multifamily without joining any coaching programs. To be honest, in the beginning, I was so against coaching programs when I first started in real estate. Why? I was convinced if all of these Coaches were able to grow their real estate businesses without joining coaching programs, I could too.

A year into my multifamily journey everything changed. I came across a program that convinced me that the program’s tools alone were worth the cost of joining. So, I joined. In just a few months, I connected with several partners that I still partner with today. These partners and opportunities helped me grow my wealth by seven figures.

I recognize this is not everyone’s experience. In fact, I think being skeptical about coaching programs allowed me to be very critical on each program that was presented to me. I think this perspective is what ultimately led to the right program for me that aligned with my personal and professional goals. Remember, no matter what path you choose, consistent action and a commitment to learning will always be the foundation of your success.

@Dominic Mazzarella agree. You don't always have to incentivize a tenant with a discount to get the tenant to stay, nor keep rents stagnant, but it is good to be aware of the business impact with respect to cost too.