It's hard to stay motivated and productive if you don't appreciate the merit of your work.

While the service is legit and there is merit to what they do... there is a GIANT disconnnect between what the sales people know and what you get.

Favorable as at least you might be in the area yourself occasionally, have others that might be able to at least check on it for you once in a while and also you might be able to write off the trip to check your property/see family.The duplex idea has merit as you could purchase it using owner occupant financing versus investment.

I was trying to get a sense of whether or not there was some merit to the statement.

Hardly see that a lawsuit could be issued for filing what I believe a valid complaint with a board who can choose to throw it out if they deem it to be without any merit.  

Is there a downside to the market that merits these returns?

(that training was not available to me, probably because the agency didn't have a clue to how to invest, how to make money or creative financing terms)  An idea that may have merit.......Interview agents. preferable a new agents.Let the agent know what your objective are (to buy, to control, to flip to build your portfolio)Be honest, let the agent know you are serious and that you have the cash or technique to control real estateSign a buyer broker agreement with the agencyIt is important to let them know that you will pay them a fee on unlisted properties that you buy.You need to lay out a plan that will help you and them to put together profitable transactionsOffer to not only pay a commission but you will list with them when you are ready to sell and (this is important) that you will give them a percent of your net profitsBe generous with your agent, offer a gas credit card, cash for giving you expired listing, buy lunch and give them cash from time to time.

So BP is there any merit in this or is this another misleading Facebook post?

Can anybody recommend a local NYC attorney who will offer unbiased advice on the merits of this and if it's worth going forward?

There is ABSOLUTELY merit in letting people know what you do and getting your name out there.