I'm brand new to real estate investing and looking forward to diving in. My dilemma is I've ran into these so-called Gurus charging thousands of dollars to teach/mentor me in getting started. Is the money worth it? I'm trying to save every dollar I have and thinking I could just read books and the forums on BP.

Depends on what they're teaching. If it's the same old stuff, then you can get that from the sources you listed. If it's more than that, then yes. You would pay thousands of dollars for a college education and think nothing of it. REI is a professional career too. You either treat it that way, or treat it like a hobby. Your choice.

Funny thing is, I just mentioned that same concept of paying for a college education vs education in real estate. Thanks Joe!!!