It is an apprenticeship business.In any event best of luck those those making their choices about what to do.  

I'm currently doing an apprenticeship to become a lead paint inspector in MA and have a provisional license with the state. 

I’m terms of raising capital, my advice to you would be to get an apprenticeship in the trades.

get educated the right way.. work for a living .. work in the field that you want to ultimately end up in... this is why 90% or better of the folks reading BP never do anything in RE  because they are not realistic of what it takes and do not want to do an apprenticeship they just want to poor water on the seed and grow a 10- foot sunflower in 30 days.. :)

For post high school, check out the Praxis apprenticeship programs @ www.discoverpraxis.com.   

:roll: BTW, I've been doing this a long time and I've seen a lot come and go...If you have to "fake it before you make it" you aren't ever going to make it.David, do the words, "Apprenticeship Program" sound the least bit familiar to you?

I applied for apprenticeships and internships.

I think many US potential investors need to look at themselves not blame the Guru courses, they need to look at what is reality and what is a dream.. and the dream of RE rich's can be achieved but like any industry there is an apprenticeship that goes along with it. 

This could take the form of a mentorship or an apprenticeship with another investor.

But do stay away from mentors who offer apprenticeships as if they will teach you in trade for work but then ask you for money to fund their deals.