I've been a member of this site for some time now and for the life of me I have yet to see how Bigger Pockets help new investors get their first deal done. For the most part, what I see are people introducing themselves to the forums as new investors, asking for assistance, and searching for a mentor to help them gain knowledge with no success because no one, especially the seasoned investors who are commenting on the newbies post are offering any assistance other than "read through the site". It seems that the seasoned people are not compassionately concerned about the newbie's venture therefore, they don't care to offer any mentoring or walk through assistance. With as many people here who post the "read the site" replies the only thing they are doing is mostly speaking a foreign language to an inexperienced, new investor because the information on the site is scattered and not in any order to get a new investor from A to Z without first confusing them. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to point anyone out or offend anyone. I'll even go as far as to say that respectfully, I like the site and I'm not bashing Bigger Pockets but if there are so many people here that's proclaiming to be in a position to readily assist a new investor then why are they hiding? It seems to me like they really don't want to help at all and by suggesting that a person read through the site alone is a way to indirectly brush them off. But why? Didn't we all have to start somewhere with someone at some point to get to where we are today? I know it wasn't all done alone. I believe that one hand should help the other and pay it forward to earn even a greater reward. Mentoring does not have to take all day and is as simple as taking about 10 to 15 minutes out of your busy schedule once or twice a week to help someone in need whos trying to better themselves no matter where you are. I know I would contently offer my assistance if God blessed me with the skills. Say what you will but for someone who is new the information on this site can be very complicated to understand especially if the new person is someone who is wet behind the ears and searching for knowledge. I've yet to see anyone on here who has the experience and ability to do so make a concious decision to help others or agree and express an interest in offering to assist someone else who does not know the industry well; even if the the person who offers the assistance specify to the new person any terms of agreement to take the newbie under his/her wings. Although, I know that nothing in life is FREE and you have to put in an effort to succeed, I still don't know about the ones who claim to have a "best interest at heart" attitude but never step up to do a good deed and believe that they will be rewarded greatly for the deed. So to make a long story short, my question is: How does being a member of Bigger Pockets help New Investors? Dislaimer: This is just a curious post as it relates to paying what you have been blessed with forward to someone else who is following you mainly because they are interested in your journey to success. They want to learn from you and they look up to you and your success. Nothing personal.....

I have to disagree. BP has helped me alot. Some people post questions that have been answered in 100 other posts. Most of the time when that happenes, the commenters will post links. When I first joined, I seached through the forum topics to find answers to my questions. There are also blogs and articles to search through. I have even posted questions and many investors have commented and gave me insight. I thank BP because I feel that I am a better investor. If someone is mad because they have to do a little searching, than how can they expect to succeed in RE. The RE deals are not just handed to you; work is involved.

I can safely say the BP helped me get rolling much sooner than I would have if I had not used it as a source of education. I believe I would have completed my first deal, but it would have been much later, and I would not be anywhere near the level where I am out. I see a lot of new members post, many asking for help, but they fail to ask for anything anyone can provide. Many ask for deal analysis, yet they fail to post anywhere near enough information for anyone to accurately analyze anything. I have seen many others ask for monetary investments, which I find incredible since no with any common sense would want to invest their hard earned money in someone who has no experience in real estate investment. Some other things I have seen from new members: 1) Asking questions that have been asked at least 100 other times 2) Asking for mentorship in the forums but stopping there. You have to be aggressive if you are serious. Find out who from BP is in your local area and ask if you can call them to talk about the real estate market and investing strategies. This will likely lead to a relationship and some real world mentorship. Note: I am in no way trying to speak poorly about new investors, as I still consider myself a new investor. I am one of the members who will often post links to answer questions someone has asked, and I do this because the answer is already here, and said much better than I could have. Why continue to beat a dead horse? BP is like any other networking tool...you get out of it what you put in. If you take time to educate yourself, network with other investors, and try to post intelligently, you will see the benefits. BP has been the single most effective internet tool I have come across, but like any tool, you need to know how to use it correctly. I do not accept all colleague requests, because I feel BP should not become a popularity contest. I accept requests from people who I have seen post valuable information, people I have spoke with over the phone, and people I would like to work with at some time. I remember when I became an member on BP many people were not accepting my colleague requests. However, once I started getting deals going and posting more frequently on BP, that quickly changed. I hope this post gives you a little insight into how BP helped me, how it has helped many others, and how you can use it a little more effectively. The members here are very compassionate, even if they may not seem like it sometimes.

New and seasoned investors post deals they are considering with numbers and the experts respond with their thoughts, FREE! If you have a question about what to do about a problem tenet you post the problem and the experts respond, FREE! Detailed outline of the 50% rule, how to know the differences between good deals and bad, references to software to use, check lists, common land lord mistakes, what books to read, etc etc. This site is my mentor right now. And I am thankful. Anyway that is how this site has helped me. Good luck!

I recommend searching this site for investors local to you and then privately contacting them... I've had several investors local to me find me thru bigger pockets... I'm currently doing a joint venture with one of them, sharing my crew with another who is doing a flip, and talking with a third about private loans. BP is a great way to meet people. after that you have to facilitate the relationship. Side note: I've also received private money loans from a few BP members that are out of state and I've never met them in person.. Work the emails, work the phone. Develop a relationship.

Tershant, I will be happy to give you my feedback. No one here has an obligation to physically do deals with anyone. They say read the forums b/c thats where there is a lot of free info. Also, some people actually provide coaching or consulting but you here people bash them as calling them guru's. You might have to spend some dollars on your RE education?!! This site is used as a networking tool, a place for new and seasoned investors to meet and share ideas and experiences. To expect anyone to have to help you do a deal from BP is insane. For anyone to have access to so much FREE info from experienced investors, you cant put a price on this type of material. Start going to your local REIA. I will be the first to tell you I enjoy helping new investors with questions and suggestions as I do believe in giving back. I give my time on this site free of charge like all others do but aside from this site, my time is very valuable and I charge for it. You say you have been a member for some time now but you only have like 3 posts. You need to change your mindset completely before you will experience any success. Rather then look for a hand out you need to go make it happen. Good luck.

I haven't read the previous comments but I will tell you that a lot of relationships happen behind the scenes. When I conversate with people, its not on the public forum for the entire membership to read. I will direct you to this article though, hopefully it will change your mind about BP and its abilities: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2011/01/11/justin-schnettler-biggerpockets-interview/

Tershant Rhodes Wow is right!!! You need a mentor badly... Your questions are really basic and advanced. Basic as in simple, advanced as requiring an in depth conversation. I bet youll have better success asking question #1 as a forum topic, getting that answer and then going on to question #2 over making a statement about BP. For me when I read rant about how this isnt my definition of perfect or that should work this way it turns me off. The first conclusion I take from those types of comments is that someone isnt willing to put in the time and that this business isnt an overnight success story... If you cant communicate here and figure out a way to have your questions answered youll have an almost impossible time getting a seller to sign your agreement to purchase or a buyer to give you details as to what they expect in a deal. And becasue of the lack of communication ability youll be like the other 95% of new investors who get out of this great business before getting in and blame it on everything but yourself. The cost of training is a real cost, nothing in life is free even when we dont have to pay for it. Like I said earlier you need a mentor then follow their lead... If you dont have the money for one understand that their cost will be multiplied many times over by the mistakes youll make or the opportunity youll over look.

How does Bigger Pockets Help New Investors?

Joshua D.Pro Member

BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes

15y

Tershant -
Someone brought this to my attention, and I felt it was important to bring up.

It appears that you set up another profile on the site here a few years ago:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/users/MsRhodes

The user shares your name and it certainly looks like you.

On the profile is the following:

I guess I'm confused . . .

Was this also your profile?

It says 5 years of experience. That doesn't gel with what you're saying here or with the posts from that profile.

Am I missing something?

Podcast Guest on Show #100

0 Reply

Will BarnardPro Member

Moderator

Developer · Santa Clarita, CA · Member since 2008 · 15k+ posts · 10k+ votes

15y

Wow, this is a difficult thread to read through. I have to say that it sounds a lot like a rant against BP and it's active members who regularly contribute. It also has many contradictory responses, first you say one thing, then change your tune the next post.

I must say this is the first post I have read that states opinions that BP and the members at large have not been a valuable and or helpful resource.

You state you know it takes time and patience to succeed yet you do not show it in your remarks here. You also fail to realize that determination, persistence, and a willingness to work for what you want is needed for success, by this thread, you show a lack of those qualities.

My comments here are not to bash you but also not to baby you either. The real world is tough and cruel and only the strong survive in the business world, so hopefully you take this as constructive and show perseverance.

You also mention that you are afraid to post something that sounds stupid or that may be a stupid question and you reference that other new members may feel the same. Let me say that many times I have stated in threads that there is no such thing as s stupid question, in fact, it is only stupidity that fails to ask for answers. Furthermore, I even created a thread specifically to encourage new members who "lurk" to engage and not be afraid. Fear is not an option in this business. One of my favorite sayings is: "The rich act in spite of fear while others allow fear to stop them".

So, I see that you have two choices. 1. Stop the rant and complaining and start asking specific questions you have - they will be answered (and of course read in the forum topics that have already been discussed regarding your question/issue). Continue to engage the community in a positive manner thus creating relationships with others whereas you may then respectfully ask for additional guidance, perhaps one on one.
Or 2. Continue down the road you started here which will likely lead to a lack of assistance, lack of education, lack of solid networking, and thus, lack of a future RE investing paycheck.

Podcast Guest on Show #130

2 Reply

James Vermillion

Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

15y

Originally posted by Tershant Rhodes:

This is a reply to the quote from James post.....

@ James ...... Your attitude about new people is just what I'm talking about. But we all had to start somewhere. It seems that people of your status who has done a deal or two has forgotten that it takes patience and the picture is always bigger than the mirror you look at it through. Most investors with experience tend to have a lot of ability to think outside the box where creative real estate is concerned but fail to realize that all people are not the same, learn differently, and sometimes need a little more. This is not to say that they should be babied but it is to say that we are different in our own ways.

I can only speak for one person and that's me but if you'd read my challenges and look outside the box then you'd realize that I've given and am still giving honest attempts, efforts, and abilities to getting it done and I don't believe that I'm asking for a handout especially if I say and am willing to back it up with even offering to pay for the time.

Your statement about colleague request makes a lot of sense and I concur that Bigger Pockets is a great place to be that's why I'm still here but don't spend time trying to find fault in a person simply because that don't always understand like you do. Instead do a good service if your heart and time will allow to grab someones hand rather than kick dirt on them.

As for beating a dead horse, I don't even believe that that's the case in most situations.....maybe the new person has tried to find the information but because the site is so large they got swallowed up by the information.

I'm not ashamed to say that I haven't done any deals but I'm trying to get there. Even you didn't take the time to read my journey ... you only picked bits and pieces then just as I mentioned assumed that I fall in that category of many others.

Open your mind ...... You will be blessed for it.

Wishing you much success....

Tershant,

I am really not sure what attitude you are referring to. I have learned a lot from BP members and have given back as often as I can. I have talked and shared information and ideas with numerous investors with even less experience than myself. I post information on my deals so that others can learn from my successes and my mistakes. I did an interview with Josh to give other new investors an idea of how my business got started and where I hope it goes. I answer any posts I know the answer to. I have written blog posts outlining my ideas on certain aspects of real estate. I have been called by other local investors and shared with them the people I use (CPA, attorney, bank, etc). I am not too sure how much more helpful I can be to new members with my level of experience.

I understand everyone starts somewhere. I started less than 2 years ago with no real estate experience, no business background, and a full time job. I worked many hours to educate myself and start putting my plan together. I asked many dumb questions of BP members (some of them will probably remember...and I still do) and received a lot of help. I will tell you one reason I believe a lot of people were willing to help me...they could tell through my posts that I was also trying to help myself. I was taking real estate licensing courses, putting together a business plan, researching my market, etc. Do not get me wrong, I am not saying you are not helping yourself, but many new investors come here are not.

Do not forget, people of BP are often very busy. Many have full time jobs in addition to investing in real estate and other obligations. They do not want to waste time with people they feel are not going to use the help they provide.

I agree with your open mind comment, so please try to see things from the view point of others. I understand your position, I was there not long ago...but how much assistance you get on BP is more dependent on yourself than others. Good luck and I am sure you will find the answers to your questions.

P.S. I really hope there is an explanation to Josh's post, as I am a true believer that all you have at the end of the day is your reputation.

2 Reply

Tershant Rhodes

OP

Real Estate Investor · FPO, GA · Member since 2010 · 13 posts · 0 votes

15y

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment. I will used all of the information you have given me as a stepping stone to being successful.

Again, I will say that Bigger Pockets is a great site for those who understand.

Wishing all of you much success...

0 Reply

Ryan B.

Investor · -, IL · Member since 2010 · 409 posts · 616 votes

15y

Tershant,

I have only been in real estate for about 2 years so I am still learning. You say that BP is a great site for those who understand.

To be honest, I didn't know crap about real estate before I found BP. I learned by literally spending countless hours on this website. I can't tell you how many times I will get on to check a couple things out and next thing I know 2 or 3 hours have gone by.

I owe so much thanks to all the members who have unknowingly been mentors to me during this time that there is no way I could ever repay them for the things I have learned here. The only thing I can do is participate and share any knowledge I pick up along the way.

As my dad used to say "you get out what you put in"

3 Reply

Carlos Flores

Commercial Real Estate Lender / Syndicator · Dallas, TX · Member since 2011 · 888 posts · 309 votes

15y

Everyone needs to read Josh's post a few up from this one. This lady appears to be defrauding the BiggerPockets community.

Tershant Rhodes changed her pic, locked her profile, and slithered away without so much as an apology. Guess she read Josh's post.

Here is Ms Rhodes as her alter ego, Rich Lady Business Partner, spouting off about ethics http://sta.rtup.biz/profiles/blogs/what-are-your-ethics-saying. Wish she had displayed some ethics here.

0 Reply

Keith Canyon

Real Estate Investor · Woolwine, VA · Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 3 votes

15y

hi tershant,

i thought i wanted to become a real estate agent last year, so took the course in order to take the state exam to become licensed to sell. before taking the exam, i realized i really wanted to learn how to become a real estate investor, so i started plowing that path. i don't regret having taken the real estate course, because it all contributed to my foundation of real estate knowledge.
then i took some classes and workshops, and after about the 5th one, i decided enough classes--now i have to formulate my action.
all along for the past year or more, i have often driven to a great reia association that's about 3.5 hours away. i, too, live in a rural area, so i don't have the luxury or convenience of a local reia.
for me, i think its all about balancing, and finding the pieces that work for you. here on bp, i've asked my share of questions, and often have gotten great feedback regarding certain scenarios and "what ifs". i would dare say that this site has helped me learn more about re investing than most of the classes and workshops have put together, although not entirely. its also helpful to meet other investors and mentors and teachers in person, and do the networking which is a huge part of this business, you know?
but don't forget, rural real estate is a niche market--i was reminded of that by someone on here. and, as i was told, that could be a positive or a negative thing. you may have less competition with other investors, but you may find less deals available.
if you are within driving range of a sizeable city, why not spend a couple of days there, get to a reia meeting, and also start to learn the market there. perhaps once a month you could go and spend a day or two in that market, and flush out some deals. keep working all of it--it will come to you. i haven't done my first deal since sharing a deal with my fiance several years ago, but i know its a matter of time, and will take a significant amount of dedication through learning and that old labor of love thing. best of luck to you!

much success,

sage

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How does Bigger Pockets Help New Investors?

How does Bigger Pockets Help New Investors?

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