there are at least 12 backend fulfillment companies in Utah that are the back end for virtually every real estate training program in the US.. its a HUGE business and most gurus need them .. its a ton of up front money to put on these events.but its not only real estate guru's its sales training guru's  motivational speakers etc etc.. like I said this is a HUGE business and for whatever reason Utah is ground zero for all but I think rich dad which is based out of FLA

Tax valuations can be grossly inaccurate and are a bad way to appraise a property.

There will always be another deal down the road, but a bad financing situation will ruin you

Introductions are great but no speakers just a get together to say hello.

.- More favorable loan and insurance terms for an owner occupied property.There are also downsides such as:- Less privacy- Blurring of the landlord vs neighbor relationship- Can be harder to be the "bad guy" on things because you see your tenants often.

I also eventually knocked out credit cards, car payments and all 'bad' debt. 

This way, you are earning $ but, more importantly, not risking anything AND at the same time you are learning what's good, what’s bad (what the professional buyers like or don't like and why) as well as the entire due diligence/backend process so that after you do a few of these transactions, you will be MUCH better prepared to invest in notes for your own account.I've been working with new note investors for 20 + years, matching them up with the right funder depending upon the types of transactions they want to refer.

Is it a bad idea to get a private lender for a long term investment then?

And having something to offer to others isn't a bad idea either (whether it's a deal, connections, etc).Keep in mind, not everyone is going to be successful at your local REIA. 

@Austin Davis I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but whoever told you that “if you have a deal raising the money is no issue” has given you some very bad advice.Raising money from outside investors is always difficult, even if you have a deal, and even if you have a good deal (or even a great one).