I assume you believe what you have written, but IMO, that's all dream land & smoke and mirrors. 

I'm sure you're right in terms of the value of the in-person training - I very well might take you up on that at some point...but I know i couldn't look myself in the mirror if I didn't try testing the market with a lower bid first!

That said, I think you also need to really look in the mirror and be honest with yourself about how your own behavior is creating this situation.

Alternatively you could be a hotelier consultant for bespoke help. 

The simple thing for me is that I need to be able to look myself in the mirror and sleep peacefully at night.

Understand that anyone who can fog a mirror can write a blog or have a podcast, the recommendations to learn by such materials will most often have limited experience and knowledge to offer a critique of such materials, but that won't stop them.You need some money to be in RE, you will have expenses trying to be in the business, there is no real "no money" deal, gurus lie their azzes off to market stuff.Podcast #70 isn't that applicable without a mortgage originator involved and that will usually be a concern in your area, finding one.If you can't buy as Erik mentioned which is a good way to start you may look at lease-options, that can be a low investment approach.You really need to learn the basics of RE before you start with any strategy, the basics will shed light on all strategies so that you understand the why and how rather than not knowing and trying to follow steps as if you were on an assembly line.....not the way to start out. :)

Lots of people responding with justifications for the profits he is making, and they may be absolutely right (for them), but at the end of the day we each have to look at ourselves in the mirror.

Traded in a 2001 Toyota Avalon, it had 178K miles, busted side mirror, and the trunk stopped closing after I bumped it backing out the garage.

I could've done the work myself with a mirror and swiss army knife. 

And I had a few.Apparently the mirror ones are available in wider 8' opening than hollow core white ones.