Where to start and is paying for education worth it?

Where to start and is paying for education worth it?

Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes

I'm still very new and very motivated to learn and progress.  I've seen a lot of posts along with great advice on where to start as a new investor. It's clear that educating myself is #1 as well as learning from those with experience. Most people seem to say you don't need to pay for mentorship because there's so many resources and information especially on this site. I have to agree with this however for newbies like myself all the information can sometimes become overwhelming. I need to have this information organized in a clear step by step process that I can move through checking off my boxes as I move along. I am on the fence whether or not to to pay for a program such as the Academy offered through Rent to Retirement or another company. I have seen positive posts about doing business with them but I would like to know people's thoughts on the education program offered through the academy. Have you used it and found it valuable? Has it helped you to synthesize the information and move through the beginning process faster than just doing it on your own? Are there similar programs at a lower cost? Is it worth the $$? I'm really on the fence at this point.

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Joe VilleneuvePro Member
Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
5mo

Paying for education is a must, one way or another.  Those who say it isn't usually pay for it by the mistakes they make, and they rationalize it by saying those mistakes are a learning experience.  How is that not paying for it?

Learning exclusively free from the internet isn't education, it's information.  There's a difference.  Education is a complete system where every bit of "information" is connected to each other.  This should help answer many questions, and at least give the student the ability to answer questions and address problems they encounter because they understand the system.  They understand how things go together and see where the problem starts and then can be corrected.

Information is just that.  Bits and pieces of knowledge with no connection.  The gaps between pieces of information is usually where the questions come from and since there are no connections in the knowledge, it makes it very hard to answer questions and solve problems. Information is what fills those gaps.

Both are important.  Knowledge is key.  Information fills in any gaps in your knowledge, but it all starts with that knowledge base.  If you try to substitute information for knowledge, your head will be spinning and success will (if at all) take much longer...and ultimately be more expensive than if you just paid for that knowledge at the start (and continue to do so).

Look at it this way. Would you elect to have surgery done by a doctor that got their "infomation" free on the internet, or through paid education at school? You will be responsible for handling millions of dollars or more during your journey through REI. Are you really comfortable doing so with the limited knowledge gained from the mistakes you make (and pay for) learning on the job, and from the free internet?

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  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    5mo

    What is the $$ amount? I see $6000 to join, and I assume more for their courses?

    That's a lot of money, and I think you could gain the knowledge elsewhere.....like on this forum for example.

    Unless you have a ton of money and that is a small amount....

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    5mo

    Paying for education is a must, one way or another.  Those who say it isn't usually pay for it by the mistakes they make, and they rationalize it by saying those mistakes are a learning experience.  How is that not paying for it?

    Learning exclusively free from the internet isn't education, it's information.  There's a difference.  Education is a complete system where every bit of "information" is connected to each other.  This should help answer many questions, and at least give the student the ability to answer questions and address problems they encounter because they understand the system.  They understand how things go together and see where the problem starts and then can be corrected.

    Information is just that.  Bits and pieces of knowledge with no connection.  The gaps between pieces of information is usually where the questions come from and since there are no connections in the knowledge, it makes it very hard to answer questions and solve problems. Information is what fills those gaps.

    Both are important.  Knowledge is key.  Information fills in any gaps in your knowledge, but it all starts with that knowledge base.  If you try to substitute information for knowledge, your head will be spinning and success will (if at all) take much longer...and ultimately be more expensive than if you just paid for that knowledge at the start (and continue to do so).

    Look at it this way. Would you elect to have surgery done by a doctor that got their "infomation" free on the internet, or through paid education at school? You will be responsible for handling millions of dollars or more during your journey through REI. Are you really comfortable doing so with the limited knowledge gained from the mistakes you make (and pay for) learning on the job, and from the free internet?

    • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
      Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Joe Villeneuve:

      Paying for education is a must, one way or another.  Those who say it isn't usually pay for it by the mistakes they make, and they rationalize it by saying those mistakes are a learning experience.  How is that not paying for it?

      Learning exclusively free from the internet isn't education, it's information.  There's a difference.  Education is a complete system where every bit of "information" is connected to each other.  This should help answer many questions, and at least give the student the ability to answer questions and address problems they encounter because they understand the system.  They understand how things go together and see where the problem starts and then can be corrected.

      Information is just that.  Bits and pieces of knowledge with no connection.  The gaps between pieces of information is usually where the questions come from and since there are no connections in the knowledge, it makes it very hard to answer questions and solve problems. Information is what fills those gaps.

      Both are important.  Knowledge is key.  Information fills in any gaps in your knowledge, but it all starts with that knowledge base.  If you try to substitute information for knowledge, your head will be spinning and success will (if at all) take much longer...and ultimately be more expensive than if you just paid for that knowledge at the start (and continue to do so).

      Look at it this way. Would you elect to have surgery done by a doctor that got their "infomation" free on the internet, or through paid education at school? You will be responsible for handling millions of dollars or more during your journey through REI. Are you really comfortable doing so with the limited knowledge gained from the mistakes you make (and pay for) learning on the job, and from the free internet?

      "Those who say it isn't usually pay for it by the mistakes they make"
      Lol, I resemble that remark....
  • Real Estate Broker · Atlanta · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 607 votes
    5mo

    @Roxanne Domingo It depends on how much you will be paying for the program. Personally, I think you can learn just as much, if not more, by joining your local REIA, connecting with experienced investors and offering to help them find deals. Hands-on learning is far more valuable than paying for any program, especially when you are just getting started. Also, another option would be to work as an assistant for an investor-friendly broker. Where are you located?

  • Kerlous TadresBusiness Member
    Realtor · Columbus, OH · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    Honestly, paying for a mentor who actually owns properties and has the results to back it up is worth every penny compared to a course; you get real answers to your real deals, not generic content. 

    Kerlous Tadres | Reafco Real Estate541 Reviews
  • Doug SmithPro Member
    Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo

    From speaking at conferences over the years, I know a lot of "gurus" personally. I've actually presented to students of some of them in the areas of managing nonperforming loans and private loan underwriting. On the flip side, a lot of the folks on BP are looking to get professional information for free and, usually, you get what you pay for. With all that in mind, here's my take...start by going to Linked In and look up the resume of the person you're learning from. Do they actually have the pedigree to teach what they are offering? I'll give you an example: a guru came through our area not long ago and, when I pulled their LI profile, they were literally waiting tables at a chain restaurant prior to becoming a guru. I actually looked into teaching at one point, but went the fund management, consulting, and lending route instead, so I don't have a dog in the fight, but might I suggest a different route. Look at what you might bring to the table in the area you are trying to learn. For instance, if your'e learning to flip houses, do you have a skill set you can "trade" and partner with an experienced pro while you learn? Do you bring capital? a trade? access to deals? If someone came to me and offered me something I didn't have in exchange for mentoring, I would likely do it. I think everyone knows that most classes (not all, but most) are a scam. I think there are better ways to learn and if you do decide to pay for education, make sure the person is truly a subject matter expert. I wish you well in your journey. 

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Doug Smith. Thank you for your feedback. Great advice to do some research on the person's background. I have gotten some good advice from people so far but to be honest, some of the advice seem to come directly from AI. The information is good but seemed a bit generic. I have gone as far as inputting my question into chat GPT and sure enough the output has been a very close match to some responses. lol!  So, I think your advice to check out their LI if one exists is great. Thanks!

    • Doug SmithPro Member
      Lender · Tampa, FL · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

      @Doug Smith. Thank you for your feedback. Great advice to do some research on the person's background. I have gotten some good advice from people so far but to be honest, some of the advice seem to come directly from AI. The information is good but seemed a bit generic. I have gone as far as inputting my question into chat GPT and sure enough the output has been a very close match to some responses. lol!  So, I think your advice to check out their LI if one exists is great. Thanks!


       BP is getting really bad with AI and bots. You are correct. There are a lot of gurus out there offering education that have absolutely zero background in the subject. They are also very "Pollyanna" with their scenarios. If you're going to have a mentor, make sure they've been through the ringer and know what to do when the poo hits the fan. Let me know if you have questions. I wish you well. 

    • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
      Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Doug Smith:
      Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

      @Doug Smith. Thank you for your feedback. Great advice to do some research on the person's background. I have gotten some good advice from people so far but to be honest, some of the advice seem to come directly from AI. The information is good but seemed a bit generic. I have gone as far as inputting my question into chat GPT and sure enough the output has been a very close match to some responses. lol!  So, I think your advice to check out their LI if one exists is great. Thanks!


       BP is getting really bad with AI and bots. You are correct. There are a lot of gurus out there offering education that have absolutely zero background in the subject. They are also very "Pollyanna" with their scenarios. If you're going to have a mentor, make sure they've been through the ringer and know what to do when the poo hits the fan. Let me know if you have questions. I wish you well. 

      Not all paid education comes from "gurus".
  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Joe Villeneuve Thank you! I love this feedback. I do think I am getting bits and pieces of information and do need that underlying foundation to tie it all in. You make a very good point when you say that making a mistake can be costly, probably a lot more costly than the price of a course. 

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Bruce Woodruff No, not a ton of money but trying to work my way there. LOL! From what I've seen so far, most of these courses and/or mentorship experiences (as some are marketed) start around $4K (with the discounts) and up (10K or more). I know there is a lot of information out there but just looking for a way to tie it all together into an action plan. Thanks for your feedback.

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Janice Carter I agree that hands on experience is valuable but REI would be an additional to my fulltime job. Don't have a lot of extra time to work as an assistance but as you suggest, I will definitely try to find opportunities to connect with and learn from experienced local investors. Thanks for the feedback. I am in NY

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Doug Smith Thank you so much for your feedback. I will reach out if I have any specific questions.

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Kerlous Tadres That is so true! In my short time here on BP, I have definitely encountered some very generic feedback as well as some genuine and honest feedback that I can tell comes from experience. I will do my research before paying for any type of mentorship. Thanks!

  • Kenneth GarrettPro Member
    Investor · Florida Panhandle/Illinois · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5mo

    @Roxanne Domingo

    You can pay for education, but it still comes down to executing what you learn. Finding a mentor along with the BP information would be a route you might want to explore. Most local REIA groups teach training each week or monthly. Some also are selling programs every meeting, you don't need that.

    I spent my first year absorbing what I was learning. I attended many REIA open houses that investors would go to over there purchase number, how they found the deal, their strategy being employed, rehab numbers, flip or BRRRR numbers. It was super helpful.

    I found BP years after I started investing.  It supplemented things I did not know or just emphasized things I knew.

    A mentor who actually is doing deals will help you learn and start. You will need to figure out what strategy you want or partner with someone. It takes guts to buy your first house. Many people who attend REIA's never buy a property. Don't become one of them. Take action when you're ready.

    Feel free to reach out.  We all had to start somewhere.

    • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Kenneth Garrett:

      @Roxanne Domingo

      You can pay for education, but it still comes down to executing what you learn. Finding a mentor along with the BP information would be a route you might want to explore. Most local REIA groups teach training each week or monthly. Some also are selling programs every meeting, you don't need that.

      I spent my first year absorbing what I was learning. I attended many REIA open houses that investors would go to over there purchase number, how they found the deal, their strategy being employed, rehab numbers, flip or BRRRR numbers. It was super helpful.

      I found BP years after I started investing.  It supplemented things I did not know or just emphasized things I knew.

      A mentor who actually is doing deals will help you learn and start. You will need to figure out what strategy you want or partner with someone. It takes guts to buy your first house. Many people who attend REIA's never buy a property. Don't become one of them. Take action when you're ready.

      Feel free to reach out.  We all had to start somewhere.

       @Kenneth Garrett Thank you for the advice and encouragement. 

  • Member since 2025 · 104 posts · 37 votes
    5mo

    Use the money instead to buy a Property and get hooked up with a Realtor and PM Company who are Investors themselves. 

  • Joe VilleneuvePro Member
    Plymouth, MI · Member since 2013 · 13k+ posts · 19k+ votes
    5mo

    That's the most expensive way to learn, and what you usually learn is what "not "to do.  Making mistakes, and calling it learning inherits a cost that keeps on giving, or in this case taking.

  • Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    5mo

    Remember books??  The things made from paper with words printed on them?

    I have paid for a course 15 years ago and had a "personal coach" for a year from Rich Dad Education. That was completely for the birds. It gave me kind of a college education - perhaps a good overview of all the different strategies. But and the real learning starts when you buy your first property.

    Frankly, $200 in books spent here on BP will probably prepare you better. What courses are selling is the sweet dream of a "secret" nobody knows - from rags to riches. Put that $25k on a credit card, because we will show you how to make hundreds of thousands of dollars. That does not happen for 95% or more of the students.

    Go to your local REIA and ask someone experienced, they will be happy to tell you. But read some books first, nobody wants to sit there for hours to tell you the basics.

  • Real Estate Consultant · Rochester NY · Member since 2026 · 20 posts · 12 votes
    5mo

    what is it that you are actually trying to learn to do  and what do you know already ?

  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    @Marcus Auerbach Thanks for the feedback. I am reading paper with words and screens as well  :). That's a big part of my struggle as I tend to want to know everything before I start something. As I have been doing my own research these past couple weeks I see that there is so much out there and I could literally spend the next year reading and not actually making any moves. Was curious if some of these programs organize the material in a way that takes you through a step by step process so its not so overwhelming. 

    • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
      Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

      @Marcus Auerbach Thanks for the feedback. I am reading paper with words and screens as well  :). That's a big part of my struggle as I tend to want to know everything before I start something. As I have been doing my own research these past couple weeks I see that there is so much out there and I could literally spend the next year reading and not actually making any moves. Was curious if some of these programs organize the material in a way that takes you through a step by step process so its not so overwhelming. 

      "I tend to want to know everything before I start something. As I have been doing my own research these past couple weeks I see that there is so much out there and I could literally spend the next year reading and not actually making any moves."

      And this is what crushes a lot of new investors! You must not go down this road or you will either a) take forever to get started and waste a lot of money and opportunity, or b) just freeze and never do anything.

      You don't want that or you wouldn't be here asking all these great questions!

      So here's what to do -- keep gaining more knowledge, and as quickly as is possible, look for safe properties, i.e. condos that need a light rehab. Then just buy something. Anything. You're not looking to make a killing on your first deal, just don't lose money....

    • Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
      5mo
      Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

      @Marcus Auerbach Thanks for the feedback. I am reading paper with words and screens as well  :). That's a big part of my struggle as I tend to want to know everything before I start something. As I have been doing my own research these past couple weeks I see that there is so much out there and I could literally spend the next year reading and not actually making any moves. Was curious if some of these programs organize the material in a way that takes you through a step by step process so its not so overwhelming. 


      Good, you are on the right track. Books are much more information dense than a 2 page blog post. And a book will walk you step-by-step through the entire strategy, while a blog post is designed for clicks and at best an introduction to a strategy. Courses are designed to extract money from you by selling you the idea of a convenient short cut. They are not designed for results, that's why I said probably only 5% of students actually make their money back - and quite frankly they would have made it also without the course.

      I am also going to say this (and you are not going to like it): the educational path is self-selecting. People looking for GRQ (get rich quick) are going to gravitate to a course, because it looks like an EASY-button. Real estate investing by nature is anything, but easy! 

      You are looking at 7-10 years of grind, stress, setbacks and sucker punches. That is why Grand Cardone responds to "we never see you at the club" with " I never see you at the bank".

  • Property Manager · Warsaw · Member since 2026 · 107 posts · 38 votes
    5mo

    Roxanne, you've actually identified the real problem better than most people do — it's not lack of information, it's lack of structure.

    There's more free real estate content online than anyone could consume in a lifetime. The issue is that unstructured information creates analysis paralysis, not confidence. You end up knowing a lot of random things but not knowing what to do first.

    My honest take on paying for education: it depends entirely on what you're buying. A lot of expensive programs sell motivation and community, not actual frameworks. Before paying anything, ask yourself — does this give me a repeatable process I can apply to a real deal next week? If the answer is yes, it's probably worth it. If it's mostly videos about mindset and success stories, skip it.

    What actually helped me most wasn't a course — it was building a simple decision filter. Before spending hours on any property, I ask 3 questions: Is there real demand here? Do the numbers work at a conservative estimate? Is the legal situation clean? If any answer is no — I move on immediately.

    That alone saved more time than any course I've seen.

    What type of investing are you leaning toward — buy and hold, flipping, or something else? That changes what structured learning actually looks like for you.

  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

    I'm still very new and very motivated to learn and progress.  I've seen a lot of posts along with great advice on where to start as a new investor. It's clear that educating myself is #1 as well as learning from those with experience. Most people seem to say you don't need to pay for mentorship because there's so many resources and information especially on this site. I have to agree with this however for newbies like myself all the information can sometimes become overwhelming. I need to have this information organized in a clear step by step process that I can move through checking off my boxes as I move along. I am on the fence whether or not to to pay for a program such as the Academy offered through Rent to Retirement or another company. I have seen positive posts about doing business with them but I would like to know people's thoughts on the education program offered through the academy. Have you used it and found it valuable? Has it helped you to synthesize the information and move through the beginning process faster than just doing it on your own? Are there similar programs at a lower cost? Is it worth the $$? I'm really on the fence at this point.

    Hey Roxanne, welcome to BP and honestly you’re thinking about this in a pretty normal way for where you’re at. The overwhelm part is real because real estate info is everywhere and it’s not always structured in a way that tells you exactly what to do first, second, third, so most new investors end up feeling like they’re learning a lot but not actually moving forward. Programs like the Rent to Retirement Academy can help with that because they basically try to package the process into a step by step path, but the real value usually depends on how much you need that structure versus how comfortable you are piecing things together yourself and leaning on free resources and community feedback. Some people absolutely like the accountability and curated info because it speeds up decision making, while others feel like they paid for stuff they could’ve learned by asking questions and actually talking to agents, lenders, and property managers in their target markets. There isn’t really a universal “yes it’s worth it” answer, it’s more about whether you personally need someone to hold your hand through sequencing your next steps or if you’re willing to build that roadmap yourself with a bit more trial and error. A lot of investors eventually realize the biggest breakthrough comes when they pick a target market, start talking to real local players, and actually analyze deals, because that naturally organizes everything in a way passive learning can’t. The key is just making sure whatever path you choose actually gets you into action instead of keeping you stuck in learning mode.
  • Member since 2026 · 19 posts · 11 votes
    5mo

    Thank you for your feedback. Appreciate it!

  • Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a structured program. Not everyone learns the same way, and if having a clear step-by-step framework helps things click faster for you, that’s totally valid.

    That said, I’d just be a little cautious about jumping straight into paid programs, especially early on. There are a lot of courses out there that do a great job marketing to motivated beginners, and the price tags can get pretty high. Before you spend anything significant, make sure the person teaching actually has a real, verifiable track record of doing deals, not just selling education. There’s a big difference between someone who talks about real estate and someone who actively does it.

    Also, you might be surprised how much good info you can get for free or very low cost just by showing up locally. REI meetups are honestly underrated for this. A lot of experienced investors are more open than people think, especially when they see someone consistently showing up, asking good questions, and genuinely trying to learn.

    And at the end of the day, nothing really replaces getting into your first deal. Books and courses help you understand the game, but the real learning starts once you’re actually in it and dealing with tenants, numbers, and decisions in real time.

  • Member since 2026 · 43 posts · 21 votes
    5mo

    Hey Roxanne, you’re asking the right question—and what you’re feeling is normal.

    There’s no shortage of information out there, but the real problem for most beginners isn’t lack of knowledge—it’s lack of structure and execution. That’s why it starts to feel overwhelming.

    You don’t need to pay for an expensive program to get started. What you do need is:

    • A clear, step-by-step path
    • Someone to help you filter what actually matters
    • Accountability so you’re not stuck in “learning mode”

    Most paid programs give you information—but what actually moves you forward is implementation.

    If your goal is to move faster, I’d focus less on “which course is best” and more on:
    👉 Will this help me take action consistently?
    👉 Will I actually use what I’m learning?

    Also—if you’re looking for something more structured without jumping straight into a high-ticket program, we built a free community specifically for investors in that exact stage (organizing the process, building systems, and getting unstuck).

  • MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo

    I was lucky and had a friend who was a broker in an up and coming inner city neighborhood who basically told me to meet him at this crappy old house and bring my check book...check book tells you how long ago that was lol. If I wanted to start but didn't have a Realtor or contractor friend I would probably get my RE license. Working for low wages initially while  learning the trade and building an investment portfolio is tuition that I feel is valuable. I have no interest in spending thousands on those gurus who are actually making their money off the speaking engagements. 

  • Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5mo
    Quote from @Roxanne Domingo:

    I'm still very new and very motivated to learn and progress.  I've seen a lot of posts along with great advice on where to start as a new investor. It's clear that educating myself is #1 as well as learning from those with experience. Most people seem to say you don't need to pay for mentorship because there's so many resources and information especially on this site. I have to agree with this however for newbies like myself all the information can sometimes become overwhelming. I need to have this information organized in a clear step by step process that I can move through checking off my boxes as I move along. I am on the fence whether or not to to pay for a program such as the Academy offered through Rent to Retirement or another company. I have seen positive posts about doing business with them but I would like to know people's thoughts on the education program offered through the academy. Have you used it and found it valuable? Has it helped you to synthesize the information and move through the beginning process faster than just doing it on your own? Are there similar programs at a lower cost? Is it worth the $$? I'm really on the fence at this point.

    .
    Your uncertainty "I've seen a lot of posts along with great advice on where to start as a new investor." tells me. Yeah, you need a mentor or you'll get started, hit a bump and quit. The right coach will stick with you and get you through that. How much do you want it?


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