Everything I have read says I wouldn't get a 2nd conventional loan right away even though my numbers are excellent (credit above 800 and over $500k in my 401k with a monthly pension). 

I have no idea how/what he’s doing now but I have two degrees, excellent job, no student debt, car paid off, I live rent-free with my boyfriend, have cash in the bank and am looking for my first rental property. :)

They flat out lied about several issues, so I could tell those presenters weren't credible.   

This is assuming excellent credit, ratio of 1.00+ on a SFH with a long-term lease at 75% LTV.

@Evan Polaski excellent explanation.

It should still be clear this is an excellent situation.

It’s great to see your enthusiasm for diving into real estate investing and flipping houses, especially with your experience in home improvement and remodeling.You raise an excellent point about using your own cash versus financing through hard money loans.

The duo presented themselves as experienced professionals, creating an illusion of expertise and credibility that masked their sinister intentions.Luring Investors into False Promises Dozier and Hagopian developed an intricate Ponzi scheme, exploiting the dreams and aspirations of their victims.

There’s not enough information to give a credible response…

The other half is: excellent finished product design and management at a reasonable cost.