I've been a member of this site for some time now and for the life of me I have yet to see how Bigger Pockets help new investors get their first deal done. For the most part, what I see are people introducing themselves to the forums as new investors, asking for assistance, and searching for a mentor to help them gain knowledge with no success because no one, especially the seasoned investors who are commenting on the newbies post are offering any assistance other than "read through the site". It seems that the seasoned people are not compassionately concerned about the newbie's venture therefore, they don't care to offer any mentoring or walk through assistance. With as many people here who post the "read the site" replies the only thing they are doing is mostly speaking a foreign language to an inexperienced, new investor because the information on the site is scattered and not in any order to get a new investor from A to Z without first confusing them. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to point anyone out or offend anyone. I'll even go as far as to say that respectfully, I like the site and I'm not bashing Bigger Pockets but if there are so many people here that's proclaiming to be in a position to readily assist a new investor then why are they hiding? It seems to me like they really don't want to help at all and by suggesting that a person read through the site alone is a way to indirectly brush them off. But why? Didn't we all have to start somewhere with someone at some point to get to where we are today? I know it wasn't all done alone. I believe that one hand should help the other and pay it forward to earn even a greater reward. Mentoring does not have to take all day and is as simple as taking about 10 to 15 minutes out of your busy schedule once or twice a week to help someone in need whos trying to better themselves no matter where you are. I know I would contently offer my assistance if God blessed me with the skills. Say what you will but for someone who is new the information on this site can be very complicated to understand especially if the new person is someone who is wet behind the ears and searching for knowledge. I've yet to see anyone on here who has the experience and ability to do so make a concious decision to help others or agree and express an interest in offering to assist someone else who does not know the industry well; even if the the person who offers the assistance specify to the new person any terms of agreement to take the newbie under his/her wings. Although, I know that nothing in life is FREE and you have to put in an effort to succeed, I still don't know about the ones who claim to have a "best interest at heart" attitude but never step up to do a good deed and believe that they will be rewarded greatly for the deed. So to make a long story short, my question is: How does being a member of Bigger Pockets help New Investors? Dislaimer: This is just a curious post as it relates to paying what you have been blessed with forward to someone else who is following you mainly because they are interested in your journey to success. They want to learn from you and they look up to you and your success. Nothing personal.....

Tershant, I have only been in real estate for about 2 years so I am still learning. You say that BP is a great site for those who understand. To be honest, I didn't know crap about real estate before I found BP. I learned by literally spending countless hours on this website. I can't tell you how many times I will get on to check a couple things out and next thing I know 2 or 3 hours have gone by. I owe so much thanks to all the members who have unknowingly been mentors to me during this time that there is no way I could ever repay them for the things I have learned here. The only thing I can do is participate and share any knowledge I pick up along the way. As my dad used to say "you get out what you put in"

Tershant, I am really not sure what attitude you are referring to. I have learned a lot from BP members and have given back as often as I can. I have talked and shared information and ideas with numerous investors with even less experience than myself. I post information on my deals so that others can learn from my successes and my mistakes. I did an interview with Josh to give other new investors an idea of how my business got started and where I hope it goes. I answer any posts I know the answer to. I have written blog posts outlining my ideas on certain aspects of real estate. I have been called by other local investors and shared with them the people I use (CPA, attorney, bank, etc). I am not too sure how much more helpful I can be to new members with my level of experience. I understand everyone starts somewhere. I started less than 2 years ago with no real estate experience, no business background, and a full time job. I worked many hours to educate myself and start putting my plan together. I asked many dumb questions of BP members (some of them will probably remember...and I still do) and received a lot of help. I will tell you one reason I believe a lot of people were willing to help me...they could tell through my posts that I was also trying to help myself. I was taking real estate licensing courses, putting together a business plan, researching my market, etc. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying you are not helping yourself, but many new investors come here are not. Do not forget, people of BP are often very busy. Many have full time jobs in addition to investing in real estate and other obligations. They do not want to waste time with people they feel are not going to use the help they provide. I agree with your open mind comment, so please try to see things from the view point of others. I understand your position, I was there not long ago...but how much assistance you get on BP is more dependent on yourself than others. Good luck and I am sure you will find the answers to your questions. P.S. I really hope there is an explanation to Josh's post, as I am a true believer that all you have at the end of the day is your reputation.

Wow, this is a difficult thread to read through. I have to say that it sounds a lot like a rant against BP and it's active members who regularly contribute. It also has many contradictory responses, first you say one thing, then change your tune the next post. I must say this is the first post I have read that states opinions that BP and the members at large have not been a valuable and or helpful resource. You state you know it takes time and patience to succeed yet you do not show it in your remarks here. You also fail to realize that determination, persistence, and a willingness to work for what you want is needed for success, by this thread, you show a lack of those qualities. My comments here are not to bash you but also not to baby you either. The real world is tough and cruel and only the strong survive in the business world, so hopefully you take this as constructive and show perseverance. You also mention that you are afraid to post something that sounds stupid or that may be a stupid question and you reference that other new members may feel the same. Let me say that many times I have stated in threads that there is no such thing as s stupid question, in fact, it is only stupidity that fails to ask for answers. Furthermore, I even created a thread specifically to encourage new members who "lurk" to engage and not be afraid. Fear is not an option in this business. One of my favorite sayings is: "The rich act in spite of fear while others allow fear to stop them". So, I see that you have two choices. 1. Stop the rant and complaining and start asking specific questions you have - they will be answered (and of course read in the forum topics that have already been discussed regarding your question/issue). Continue to engage the community in a positive manner thus creating relationships with others whereas you may then respectfully ask for additional guidance, perhaps one on one. Or 2. Continue down the road you started here which will likely lead to a lack of assistance, lack of education, lack of solid networking, and thus, lack of a future RE investing paycheck.

How does Bigger Pockets Help New Investors?

Shanequa J.

Realtor · Houston, TX · Member since 2011 · 916 posts · 296 votes

How does Bigger Pockets Help New Investors?

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