All Forum Posts by: Gearold White

I mentioned this topic a little in one of my "newbie" posts. I would like to know your thoughts on hiring a mentor. Sounds like an oxymoron to me but I also see where there can be a HUGE value in this. I have been tossing this idea around for a while now. I was turned on to a real estate agent that sent me to a mentor. He is asking for almost 8,000 dollars to be a mentor to me. This will last for a full year, and he would walk me throught the full sale of the first one. I know the relationship will go long after that just because I know myself (unless hes a thief). I know I would be getting the years of knowledge and mostly the pitfalls this guy has endured will be brought to the table as well. Should I buy a Mentor or take a chance and keep reading on BP and learn from my "elders" jump into the first house on my own? Alo, if you beleive this is a great idea, what questions should I ask this guy?

I have searched for a Moderator and came up with several. Newbie question I am sure. But how do I add my profile picture? I have done it three times and I thought well maybe a moderator needs to approve of the picture or something.

Alan, if you need anything dont hesitate to give me a call. I have a great team in the Houston area. If you dont get me on the phne shoot me a text. 

@Turner Wright this is excellent advice! Thank you vet much!

I actually have a question: Where are the BP files? But also may be able to help. I have a construction and roofing company. We specialize in insurance claims. With that we use an estimating ro "takeoff" tool called exactimate. This software can give you prices for your areaand it is very very close. Its VERY, VERY expensive as well. There are people that will charge a small fee to run a take off for you. You can even give them the address and they can be pretty precise. There is also www.craftsman-book.com This is the same thing but ALOT cheaper.  

Marlen, What do you mean by this? I know there is the "years" of experience I would be getting which means maybe less pitfalls. He told me that he would walk me through the whole process and that the mentorship lasts for one year but of course I know that the relationship would last. I am really torn on this. 6 thousand dollars is ALOT of money. Did you have a mentor when you got in to real estate? Since you beleive in this idea, what would you think some of the questions I should ask this guy if I was to hire him?

This is great info. Thanks for all of this. Brett I thibnk I am gpoing to do some research but in the end I think I will be able to use this advice. Thanks!

@Turner Wright wow! This is excellent info! Thanks so much.

Thats my point. I dont really know where to begin with the whole Broker deal. I am sure that others have tan into this issue before. I dont really want to "work" for a Broker. At the same time my name and word are huge to me so I dont want to ruin my name either. And as you mentioned this would make anyone skeptical. I would imagine that anyone wanting to start their own business has done the same. I would think that the goal is to become my own Broker as I can then control my contracts, right? 

I am working on my real eastate license. When complete, what kind of Broker should I seek out? As most investors that do the same must have their license with a broker however; I see it as being tough to get with a Broker that is onlhy going to let one work for 30 hrs per week. And also let me do commercial deals for work. Is there a list of Brokers that let real estate investors in with this criteria?