For some reason I still feel that I am obligated to be her friend even though the friendship will not help me achieve my goals and may even be hinder my progress.I guess I really want to know if anyone feels they have been pretty successful in REI without implementing the extra stuff........and just put in good ol' hard work?

It would be nice if they were consistent with how it works, but its implemented differently from place to place.The bottom line is get legal advice from an attorney you would consider hiring if you were being sued for something that happened at your property.  

Also, read current threads in the forums about wholesaling, you'll find that the guru methods taught can be dangerous.After you get the basics of real estate (takes just a few days) team up with these buyers in your area and implement the safe, legal and ethical ways of closing on properties and transfer interests at or just after closing.

You can keep down on the trouble tenants by implementing and enforcing rules that deter negative behavior.I have another client that has a boarding home for "ex-prostitutes in recovery".  

The rules also implements a 14 percent tax on those rentals and mandates business permits."2.) 

I read his book in 2003 and watched a lot of people lose their shirts by immediately implementing without developing an applicable knowledge base.

There is a wealth of information on this site but it's up to you to implement them. 

Any idea can be worked on until it is clear and ready to implement.  

If you want some specific guidance on a basic game plan you can implement, give me a call.

According to him it was just implemented this month so it might not be documented publicly yet.