For those who have run or participated in referral programs, what strategies have you found most effective?

I've factored it in the numbers and they work(barely) but would be a lot better if the tenant pays.

Appreciate the inputIt's a good way to finish bare treads on stairs.

Their coaching program pricing appears to be reasonable compared to other programs, that lures you in then upsells participants to their 50-60K packages. 

Last night, one tenant complained that two tenants were running around the house being loud and wrestling (a girl and a guy who barely know each other) and that caused the dogs in a bedroom from another tenant to bark non stop.

It's also possible to participate in a 721 exchange where you might transfer the capital into an investment vehicle such as a syndication if you still wanted to participate in the real estate game without the tax hit.

One guy offered to pay for the first month, which is what the site advertises they will do if you leave a video testimonial before.17 people who have barely used Bigger Pockets, all hopped into the forum to defend a system.

That is a veiled Communist statement, and ever so barely veiled.

Think New York, San Diego, Los Angeles, etc.The problem with that though is a) You may not be able to afford anything there, or b) If you can afford a downpayment you'll be eating negative cash flow.In short, the highest appreciating markets may cost you too much per month to participate in because they have large negative cash flow.So you need to find a market that balances the two.

This summer looks strong and even rising interest rates are barely slowing the growth.