How to Find a Quality Real Estate Investing Club

We’ve had quite a few articles on the blog lately about investment clubs, and I thought it important to share my $0.02. One of the best resources for a real estate investor is your local real estate investing club. These groups can be great resources for networking and learning, but you must be careful, as there are some kinds of clubs that exist with the sole purpose of splitting you from your money, Here’s a quick look.

Lets keep in mind that we’re looking at two types of club here.

The Bad Real Estate Club

The first club is basically one designed so the founders of that group can boost their egos or split you from your money. They are usually based completely upon the group’s founder’s accomplishments/brand and the goal is typically to sell their books, software, programs, etc. I’ve attended meeting of several of these “bad clubs,” and couldn’t get out of there quicker. Most of them spent a tiny fraction of their time talking shop and the bulk of their time pitching some kind of “opportunity”, which was typically a real estate deal that any experienced investor would have avoided like a plague. These are the bad clubs! Stay Away!

The Good Real Estate Club

The second type of club usually fosters an environment suitable for learning & networking. These clubs will typically have speakers or other presenters who provide educational information on various subjects. These clubs are usually comprised of people from all aspects of real estate (from professionals to investors to homeowners) who are looking to both network and learn. Most of these groups have time before or after the formal meeting for networking; this is probably the most important part of the meeting, so be sure to get there and bring your business cards! These are the clubs you want to be a part of.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to join a real estate investing club, check the club out before shelling out a years’ dues. Membership in one of the good kinds of real estate clubs can be a boon to your business, and for the newbies, a great help in getting started investing. Membership in a bad club will leave you with a bad taste in your mouth, and hours of wasted time.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.