I've brushed up on interviewing and screening techniques, and I found a solid business plan template to work on in the meantime.Again, thank you all for the responses!

Do they present detailed information, or are they more of a marketing technique for 4 days?

You can bounce ideas off them, learn different techniques in a Focus Group setting, and find out which forms you need at what times.On another note:Just about everyone that can get publishing (or decides to self publish) claims to be an expert in investing.

Any details on what techniques the investors were using that got them in trouble?

Because real estate brokering is a heavily regulated occupation, various techniques are used to avoid actually doing a brokering transaction and falling under the regulations.

I've met other investors there whom i've helped and who have helped me develop better techniques in gathering information and marketing to the PR's. 

My impression is that he's an adaptive operator who moves with stealth techniques, gathers intelligence on the situation of the mission, then resolves the matter with overwhelming tactical assets and firepower to complete the mission.

I have found BiggerPockets to have a wonderful wealth of information and members who are here to help one another, not just sell their latest technique or coaching to others.

I have now understood that real estate provides an opportunity to secure one's own financial independence and I want to start learning now how I can apply various techniques and strategies for my future endeavors!

I know of some techniques such as driving for dollars and so forth, but I am just mostly interested in how people started and how they found deals.