I've been to a black diamond meeting both in Waltham and Worcester, Anne always has great speakers, too bad the weather did not cooperate for the survivoropoly.

I Purchase real estate creatively because frankly I really don't want to pay for new loan fees, points commissions, higher property taxes and all the other traditional expenses involved in buying and selling real estate.I'm not a motivational speaker or writer.

Rents are increasing at ridiculous rates and starting to think investing may make more sense.Loaded question, but are there actually local REIs not focused on just pitching speaker-of-the-weeks $1500 weekend seminars?

Plus they have very knowledgeable speakers.  

I dont go to the main meetings much, but the general format is hanging out for a bit, then some informal stuff, then a break to check out the vendors there that have tables and such, then there's a main speaker that is usually pitching a course, then there's an opportunity after for active investors to pitch property to the room.The speaker usually gives some good info, but then you get the "but wait, there's more" pitch.

A speaker, well versed in selling the dream of real estate riches, energizes the crowd and sparks their hopes.

And I actually have no regrets about it.I recall my first introduction to Robert K*****gi, I was at the Rich Dad, Poor Dad seminar and one of the guest speakers asked for a show of hands of people who had actually read his book.

Welcome to BP.Yes, the Manayunk REIA always has some good speakers. 

Maybe invite a featured experienced guest speaker for a Q&A session.

And there was the speaker with a picture of his wife and him Hiking in Montana and talking about how RE will set you free  Blah blah blah.