If you are legit, you are going to be impossibly leveraged if the deal doesn't go off perfectly.  

I'm familiar with platforms like vBulletin, XenForo, IPB, MyBB, etc.

I have had a meeting with him once and he seems pretty legit, but still feeling out the business and trying to have a 1 on 1 with him as soon as my schedule allows.  

The best thing about this platform is connecting with the people, who have the experience.

Another platform that I've looked at in the past is call fire, its a more business ready call platform than google voice, but I'm cheap and google voice is free.

This platform benefits me in lots of ways, from raising money to selling a course.

Yeah, as soon as you hear "no collateral" you can rest assured its not legit. 

One other thing are there any mentor prorams that are legit?

I attended couple of seminars, read books, researched on REI online and watched YouTube videos.I am currently in the Navy on active duty and want to do REI as a part time business and I know this platform will be the beginning of my success stories.Thank you all for your suggestions, encouragements and help.

It's a great platform to learn and network.