All contracts, options, or other devices not based upon a substantial consideration, or that are otherwise employed to permit an unlicensed person to sell, lease, or let real estate, the beneficial title to which has not, in good faith, passed to such party for a substantial consideration, are hereby declared void and ineffective in all cases, suits, or proceedings had or taken under this chapter; however, this section shall not apply to irrevocable gifts, to unconditional contracts to purchase, or to options based upon a substantial consideration actually paid and not subject to any agreements to return or right of return reserved.So, if your "teacher", "mentor" or whatever else they claim to be is proposing using contracts to broker real estate without being licensed or owning the property, they are teaching ILLEGAL practices at YOUR expense.

I think you are on the right track with trying to follow the new train lines in LA - however, I am not sure if there will be many deals available there as many people have had the same idea and I suspect the smart money got into it back when the lines were just a plan sitting in the city hall basement.  

I'm from the DFW area too (went to Aledo High School) and think it'd be really smart to do the approach you mentioned.

Grant is a smart guy!

3 - Then I use a Seinfeld Calendar to track my progress http://lifehacker.com/281626/jerry-seinfelds-produ...4 - At the end of the year I write SMART goals for the year http://topachievement.com/smart.html5 - I use my Blog to write weekly updates on how I've progressed my REIIt sounds like you need to develop some sort of system that allows you to see you progress.  

Gathered my cash & went looking for a 'smart' investment.

Unfortunately I've come across a lot of discussions that have smart behind comments bashing wholesalers.

@Dave Smart  Please clarify.  

You made a smart decision!

(Additional Income ONLY).I have successfully built a strong portfolio but I am not smart enough to figure out how to earn an addition 6 figures on my current portfolio without borrowing or selling.