You can be an independent contractor and hold full responsibility for projects under your name.

They also said that if you didn't make a deal within six months they would refund you your 2k from the seminar.So ultimately you pay for a workshop, they show you their methods, give you resources, provide you with money from private investors, and allow you to operate independently until you (and them) make a profit.....

I'm a successful, independent business manager that can help you whip your business into shape in exchange for your mentoring me so if you are looking for a great assistant and you are willing to teach me in exchange, please get in touch.  

Get an inspection done by an independent inspector who you find on your own.  

Congrats on taking action and working towards your financial independence!

I've also heard a little bit about Smart Start University in Independence and I'm interested in getting more information about that if anyone has input on that.

I have rental properties in both Tacoma and Kansas City (Sugar Creek and Independence) and so here are my observations comparing both.

The hardest part is finding the deal.Definitely not a mentor but I work with/we buy from a lot of independent wholesalers and I have frequently needed to walk the wholesaler through the transaction once they have a prospective deal..even if they don't have it under contract yet. 

I am currently working as an independent insurance claims adjuster , but looking to begin my journey in real estate investing at the end of 2016/beginning of 2017.

If you setup an account with a trust company as custodian, be sure to separately engage a tax attorney or CPA to educate you on the proper usage of your plan relative to your specific investment goals.If you choose to establish a "checkbook control" plan with an advisory firm, and you identify a firm that actually provides meaningful support as opposed to a discounted "document mill", you will have a good bit better access to education than with a custodian, but you will still want to be sure to have your own independent counsel.I would add that this unfortunate story should not discourage folks from considering a self-directed IRA.