For those further along: What targeted training would you actually recommend?

Question

Hi everyone,

I just read a post by Chris Seveny about the next “guru training” or shiny object to watch out for this year, and it really resonated with me.

I’m newer to real estate and very much in the absorbing-information / foundation-building stage of my journey. I’ve been learning through YouTube, podcasts, and forums (including BP), but I’m finding that while there’s a ton of information, it’s not in a structure that I personally need to learn methodically.

What I’m really looking for is:

• A focused, fundamentals-first training

• Something that builds real skill and decision-making, not hype

• Education you’d recommend if you were starting over today

• Ideally something that helps bridge the gap between “learning” and taking smart action

For those of you who are experienced:

• What training, program, or learning path actually moved the needle for you?

• If you were mentoring a beginner, where would you tell them to invest their time (and possibly money)?

• Are there any programs you think are worth it—or ones beginners should avoid entirely?

I’m not looking for shortcuts—just solid guidance and a clear path to competence.

Really appreciate any insight from those further along.

Thank you in advance.

— Natalia

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Learn how to analyze markets, not properties.  Markets dictate the value of properties, not the other way around.

also, just as important, learn about how money works specifically as it applies to REI.  This means learning as many strategies as you can.  The combination of market analysis and strategies will allow you to make deals.  Deals are not found, they are made.  The more markets you find that work, and the more strategies you learn will allow you to take advantage of those markets, and thus make real deals.

John Underwood · Answer

Stay away from the Guru charging thousands of dollars.

Two books I recommend:

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad

2.The Small and Mighty Investor - by Chad Carson.

There is so much free info here on BP and everyone is very willing to answer questions in all the Forums.

Kerlous Tadres · Answer

@Natalia Narsa, I’d recommend skipping guru programs and instead underwrite 50 deals in one market, then learn locally by touring rentals with a PM/contractor/lender so you can confidently take smart action on a simple first deal.

Drew Sygit · Answer

All great advice so far!

Add - be as FOCUSED as possible!

Too many newbies keep chasing "shiny objects" and trying to do too much in the beginning.

Figure out what you want to do and really narrow it down, so you can learn it well and succeed at it.

THEN, you can add to your knowledge and grow into additional options.

Jeff Roth · Answer

Hi Natalia from Los Angelos County, California-

Congratulations on being a new real estate investor and educating yourself with YouTube, podcasts, and forums.

You asked about a focused, fundamentals first, training.

Learning as a real estate investor never ends and the market is always changing.

That being said, I would absorb enough to get started and then commit to taking action in a market you are interested in if not your local market.

The newer investors we work with do well buying value-add duplexes to begin. There are several markets in Michigan where you can do this with a $140,000 plus or minus purchase price. This allows you to get started at an affordable price point, you should always have a rent check coming in, we have local property manager partners in these communities that can handle repairs, unit turns, and rehabs, we have the other team members you will need to make an informed and profitable investment, and you should be able to shortly refinance out our downpayment and go shopping again. You will learn as you practice with experienced mentors as your guide.

To Your Success!

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I also would not get involved with any Mentor or program that charges money....at least any amount over $500 or so. As @John Underwood said, this Forum is like having a built-in Mentor.

I would use the next year to LEARN AND SAVE. Ask questions on this forum constantly! Maybe you'll find some folks willing to do a few calls or meetings with you.....

Learn everything you can about Real Estate, get a license perhaps just for the heck of it.....work/volunteer at a local office on Saturdays, answer phones, help with showings.

Also learn construction....volunteer with Habitat For Humanity or one of the Veterans Housing Organizations.....watch YouTube videos, etc...

Just my $.02, good luck! Contact me if you have questions...

Nicholas L. · Answer

@Natalia Narsa

-i recommend in person networking with other local investors.  so - can you find other local investors?  maybe even use BP to find other beginner local investors.  start a group, learn from each other.  the best will be people that are slightly ahead of you.  i cannot overemphasize the value of actual local humans over "training" and courses.

-ask all the questions you want when you find them, see if you can take them out for coffee and just talk.

-don't pay for anything yet.

-also: do you have money?  you need money to invest.  if you don't have money, you'll need to save up money.

hope this helps.  there are no shortcuts or secret formulas.

Yashira Sanchez · Answer

Underwrite deals daily, document your process, and start talking to operators doing the kind of deals you want to do. That’s the fastest way to build real skill.

For those further along: What targeted training would you actually recommend?

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