WE tried both and Costar is head and shoulders above Yardi.

That being said, the seller is not a "get it done" type of person, so if I want the deal it falls on my shoulders to do.

RAREBIRD in PDX in my mind is head and shoulders above the REIA one here.. two guys that run it are super sharp and very nice... but I agree with you for beginners that is a good place to start and but just like what your saying just because someone goes to those groups or runs one does not give them a pass.. there are many in the REIA business that make all sorts of side deals with promoters etc.. 

But that does not mean I have not stood on the shoulders of those that came before me.

Half the reason I'm on BP is because I am able to basically rub shoulders with incredibly successful people in a setting that is basically just conversation.

Its a huge weight off my shoulders to know that if a car or furnace breaks its only a pain to get it fixed and not riding a bus (and walking) to work (I've been there) or shivering in the cold.

Maybe its even just being a temporary friend and lending a shoulder to cry on for a bit (but not too long!!!)

Having lived in OH, the deciding state in 04, they put even more burden on my shoulders.

He keeps the most exhaustive list I could find = http://www.johntreed.com/Reedgururating.html of dozens of so-called gurus, along with reviews of their techniques, books and other products.Although Reed's Web site = http://www.johntreed.com/, where you also can buy his various books for $29.95, reads a bit like he has a chip -- a very big chip -- on his shoulder, he was recommended by the National Association of Realtors as a serious investigator in the industry.

The key is shoulder seasons.