Having rented my first land in 1940, bought my first property in 1957, partnered in buying 484 single family units in 1968 (Trading sweat equity for almost $1.5-Million in profits) and being engaged in REI continuously since --- I have nevertheless invested in about a dozen training programs during the last 15 years.
Learned a lot, however no more and slower than YOU CAN by browsing the Amazon and other used RE book sites for this same information on the cheap.
Unless a program GUARANTEES access to $$$$ at the end of the training -- and costs are certain and reasonable for access to capital --- Run, don't walk to the nearest exit.
Spend your money learning your market(s) -- and do not limit yourself to a single zip code, city or county. Work your region for two hours in every direction, read all the local business publications, attend Economic Development meetings of every kind. (Research on the web, get them on your calendar, create a business entity and reserve seats under that business name. Often private citizens are not welcome. President of a development company is welcome.)
Study, read two newspaper business seciions daily, NY Times Sunday edition at the library every week. SWJ, Barrons, Forbes and Fortune.
In short, educate yourself in business and education, earning and preserving wealth. Forget the NFL, NBA, MBL, NCAA, PGA for anything but basic conversation knowledge until you can afford Super Bowl and World Series tickets out of pocket change.
Get multiple dash cameras and learn to operate for short takes of properties you pass, with your recorded voice for notes. A camera left, camera right, camera forward -- On - talk with important information about a prospective property -- OFF.
Allow time to stop and get information about any seriously interesting property.
START YESTERDAY -- Asking professionals, your lawyer, doctor, dentist, successful long-time business people -- who they know with private money to invest. Go meet them, explain your offer -- interest rates, time periods, terms -- potential exit closing "points" to them, in addition to interest -- automatic rollover within 30 days with a First Mortgage (First Trust Deed) in their name on any property purchased with their money. Automatic "also insured" status on liability and casualty insurance.
Commit in advance -- No more than an "As Is" 50% LTV investment in any property with their money.
Prepare a single page program in advance, with your personal information -- and have it ready to present at any hint of interest. Be prepared and be professional. Don't walk in looking like a garbage collecting, or dumpster diving slob. It does not take a $1,000, three piece suit and $400 shoes.
But be clean, freshly bathed, shaven, with neatly combed hair -- and cover tatoos. Sound investors are not impressed that anyone has $10,000 of elaborate tattoos on their hide, instead of $10,000 invested in business.
Planning a routine trip to the airport -- start early, drive a different route through a new residential area every trip, going anywhere, anytime. Kids' "away ball game" -- start early and drive a twisting, off-freeway route to and from, through different communities and different neighborhoods.
Use Google Satellite maps to research potential properties, street maps for the best in-and-out driving routes - and get the people at the various courthouse Title, Tax and Planning departments to teach you how to use their on-line software for 24/7 access to pertinent public records.
In plain language -- Expect to invest 20-40 hours weekly into your startup business. If the tennis court, golf course, go-cart track, pool room, theatre, concerts or extracurricular sex are more interesting -- then strive to be the best at one of those and forget real estate millions.
