All Forum Posts by: Dennis Dougherty

 I go over the benefits in my video.  You can also go to the link, click on Academy and see what the benefits are to joining.  

I named a few already in the post above and in my video (i.e. 24 hour access to new properties before going public, assigned to an investment strategist).

If you are truly interested to see if it would be even worth it, you should just go watch one of RTR's videos explaining the academy and see if it's something you would be interested in.  If you are planning on buying a turnkey property anyway, I suppose it could provide some insight into the locations they are working in and as I said above, if you did buy a property through them...the academy fee is refunded.

Definitely don't take my word for it but it's helped me so far.  I hope you'll take that for what it is and just encourage people to continue their growth through knowledge (even if they do pay for it).

 That's a good question and I think I'll parrot Dion McNeeley when he talks about his online program.  All of the stuff he shares is already out there for free but usually when you pay for some sort of course, academy, seminar, etc...it's more about that information being all in one spot, organized, access to mentors, etc.  

I can't really tell if your question is sincere or not so I'll just assume it is instead of the other way around. There is a ton of free information and you could probably make it just fine without spending anything on education. But, that doesn't mean it doesn't bring value to individuals who don't have mentors, who don't understand there might be a local REIA in their area, to those that want a little encouragement and accountability through a education program.

BiggerPockets has a ton of free resources on their website and it might even give you that needed edge to jumpstart your REI journey. That doesn't mean there is no value in buying a boot camp.

I would like to give a brief review on the Rent to Retirement (RTR) Academy for those considering investing in some type of education to begin your Real Estate Investing (REI) journey.

I have gotten through almost the entire first month (90 day self-paced course) of the online course. In a nutshell, my knowledge of the REI industry has truly sky rocketed. In the beginning, I didn't even know what common terms of REI were. People would say things like cash flow, seller financing, Self-Directed IRA, etc. and my eyes would glaze over.

RTR Academy starts at a basic level and builds you up to where you need to be for a successful endeavor into real estate.  They have professional videos, seminars, etc. that really break down a lot of the information you'll need.  I found a lot of value in several of their webinars and additional content (all available as extra resources within the Academy).  They provide several financial spreadsheets, calculators, and other document resources as well.

In addition to their Academy, they are more well known for their turnkey business.  Now, anyone can access their inventory and resources (i.e. independent lender that works with them, financial company, etc.) but if you are an Academy member, you get exclusive access for 24 hours on any new properties that are posted.  Lastly, joining the Academy is basically risk free.  What do I mean by that?  Not only do you get access for life on all these resources but you get your ENTIRE Academy price refunded to you when you close on your first turnkey property through RTR.  Now, THAT is a deal.

If you want to see an overview of the website, please check out my YouTube channel.  Also, if you feel so inclined and this review helped....please consider using my referral link to sign up.  Thanks for taking the time to read this and watch the video!

RTR Overview/Review

Dennis Referral Link - RTR Academy

 Thanks Zach!  Definitely getting a lot out of the Academy!

I'm located in the Charleston, SC area but have had a tough time getting numbers to work in this area.  I have decided to focus on Memphis, TN (specifically 38111 zip code where the University is located).  I am working a couple other zip codes (38117 - East Memphis & 38122 Berclair) but main focus is 38111.

I have done some in depth analysis on my YouTube channel if anyone is interested in seeing how I run my numbers and always happy to hear constructive criticism or better ways to do things.

Additionally, later today I will have a video out reviewing "Rent To Retirement" and giving an overview of their site and academy.  Thanks for watching!

 I wish it was that easy but with 5 kids and 4 pets, it's tough to keep moving every year or so (especially since we've been moving so much for the past 25 years).  With my large family and need for land, house hacking just doesn't seem plausible.

By the way, the mortgage payment of $4054 is everything and at the 6% rate. I have $345,000 left in VA entitlement and my wife has her full entitlement.

Appreciate all your responses and it seems the consensus is sell it, thank you.

Does it change anything if I only want to rent it out for a short time (1-2 years) before selling?  I net about $5,000 a month with my W-2, disability, and pension.  So, I could carry both mortgage payments at once if needed.  

So, I am completely new.  I don't really know terms or have any type of real understanding when it comes to real estate investing.  So, I am going to throw out my thinking on something to get started and wondered if someone could just let me know if it seems like an okay idea of not.

I am currently in a home (VA loan) that is costing me $4054 a month (haven't even been in the property a year yet and have a 5.75% interest rate). We had to get into the house quick and now, we don't like it and want to get another house.

My thoughts are we should downsize a bit, maybe even get a new construction in a nice neighborhood for closer to $2500 a month. Since I will be using a VA loan again, I'll need to stay in the new home for one year.

My current home will only rent for about $3500 a month so I'll be losing several hundred dollars a month due to the mortgage being higher.  But, I will lower my monthly obligation to around $3000-3500 ($2500 new mortgage plus $500 delta on previous home mortgage).  Additionally, I'll continue to build equity in the other home with a renter.

Now, I may be able to make $10,000 if I sold the home but it just seems as if building the equity would be a better option.  The home is located in a Master Plan neighborhood with good schools, nice amenities, etc.

My plan is to then move out of the 2nd home in a year and rent it for an actual profit and move into a new home using my wife's VA loan entitlement. Rinse and repeat.

Just curious if this seems like a legit way to start to build some sort of portfolio. I am also interested in possibly working the STR piece at some point. Charleston, SC area seems to be a popular place in that regard.