Raising capital: Network Marketing vs. Private Money

[Karen C.]

As a newbie who is still learning and struggling to get funds together for a down payment and cash reserves, it sort of hurts to ask this question because I think I know the answer. Just want to hear from some people who might have tried other things to get their real estate investing going. 

What is your opinion of starting something in affiliate marketing or network marketing vs. trying to get private funding? Some one mentioned affiliate marketing to me as a way to raise money for purchasing rental properties and it is mentioned in Rich Dad, Poor Dad Cash flow Quadrant. I had no idea what that was and when I looked into it, my first reaction was: I want to get in to real estate, not start another business.

Just wondering other people's thoughts on this. I would rather get a pro membership and start building great relationships with private money lenders.