A common investment philosophy for REITs and individuals is investing in construction loans or loans to developers to sit on the debt side and collect interest while the project is completed. 

He then encouraged me to do some 'house hacking' by buying a multifamily and living in one unit while renting out the others to pay for my mortgage.

The founder talked about successful student cases and encouraged people to join their program as students for a few thousand bucks and more... their lower level students get to invest in the deals offered by the higher level of students...and most of the syndications done by higher level students raised funds from lower level students..It really sounds like a multi level marketing for me, especially after I wrote it down.I have several concerns about such education programs:1) are their teaching materials really worth the money?

The founder talked about successful student cases and encouraged people to join their program as students for a few thousand bucks and more... their lower level students get to invest in the deals offered by the higher level of students...and most of the syndications done by higher level students raised funds from lower level students..It really sounds like a multi level marketing for me.I have several concerns about such education programs:1) are their teaching materials really worth the money?

But, I think those who want to safely move forward and get out and meet like minded individuals, are encouraged to attend.

@Daniel Soyars    I think that's an awesome goal but if you can't find an actual, official mentor, many of us can "mentor" each other via encouraging one another, hanging out, building valuable relationships, etc.  

If this is your first (or second or even third) deal, I would encourage you to seek professional advice. 

Fundamentally comes down to philosophy on income inequality.Also everyone pays capital gains tax without deferral on other investments and securities.

My philosophy: Following Robert Kiyosaki's advice and getting a job to learn rather than simply earn a salary.

Given fairly regular turnover and the fact that most of our tenants pay online (and we would like to encourage that) this turns into a pretty substantial cost for us (way over Appfolio's minimums).