What Is The Next “Guru Training” Shiny Object to Watch For This Year?
Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes
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What Is The Next “Guru Training” Shiny Object to Watch For This Year?
Most Popular Reply
Don KonipolBusiness Member
Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votesQuote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
What’s really interesting is that the basics of all these “strategies” were being taught by “gurus” in the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
In 1959 William (Bill) Nickerson, a former telephone lineman who had begun investing in real estate right after World War II, wrote and had published a book “How I turned $5,000 into $1,000,000 by Investing in Real Estate in my Spare Time. The book was based on Nickerson personal investing, starting with a duplex in poor shape, using his own labor and negotiating skills to move the property from C status to B, and either buying the next property or exchanging for a larger property. This was all residential real estate. Nickerson, shortly followed by George Brockl, a real estate broker out of Wisconsin, were the first to suggest that investing in real estate, outside of a personal residence, was possible for the average person.
whatever the “next new thing” taught by an actor/personality disguised as a real estate investor is, it will follow the “tried and true” formula when it hits Bigger Pockets
1. Someone with 2 posts will post about how “awesome” the guru program is, and ask a question that they hope will lead to them “signing people up “ so they can collect referral fees from the guru
2. Experienced BP posters will answer questioning the viability of the strategy, the experience of the guru, and the outrageous cost of the program
3. The OP will go on the attack, using personal insults, challenges to responders “manhood”, implication of bias, and attempts to “control the conversation” in response to information/opinions he doesn’t want to hear.
4. James Wise will call the OP an idiot; post about the subject guru’s past legal problems, and in general incite the OP into insanity.
5. Jay Hendricks will tell us that the subject guru strategy is illegal in Washington and Oregon, and requires a real estate broker license in California.
6, Chris Seveney will attempt to respond on a professional level, avoiding any personal issues, personal bias, or negative information in general. This will actually incite the OP even more, convinced Chris is doing this just to “mock” him, and despite Chris’ effort at professionalism, the OP will attack Chris personally and just as vehemently as he does with everyone else.
7. Stuart Udis will offer a learned and researched legal opinion of the legal compliance of the subject strategy, which the OP will, despite his entire legal education consisting of watching reruns of Law and Order, declare to be totally stupid and incorrect based on the “if that were true I’d be in jail” Hilary Clinton theory of legal liability.
8. 3 new posters with a total of 2 previous posts total will post about how adherence to the Guru’s teachings changed their life.
82 Replies
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
to me it will be the usual suspects that the U tube or internet lets guru's market.
1. wholesale your way to rich's make money so you can then buy rentals.
2. flip/rehab learn how.
3. Aforementioned sub to or how to buy property with NO MONEY DOWN Specialist.
4. how to be come a note broker and make $
5. BRRR your way to infinite returns.
6. How to buy pre foreclosures then lease option them.
And any other number of strategies that have been around for 100 plus years.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes8mo
@Jay Hinrichs guessing it's time since housing is so expensive to go back to rv park model of buying trailer parks and seller financing trailers etc as one option (been a few years their). I am sure some type of oil and gas type will be big again or something with gold and silver and using it in real estate since it's at highs: but it will most likely be something that makes no sense but is marketed as the next big thing
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- MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
I'm guessing the build to rent crowd will still be around hawking their goods to newbies looking for what is touted as a security net. Gotta love the glowing reviews after 1 month of owning 1 property.
- Lender · Charleston, SC · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
I heard the term "overfunding" for the first time the other day, so Im guessing that's something to watch for...
- 8moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
One thing is clear: no capital will be required beyond the cost of training, and payments are accepted by credit card.
I'm more most interested in the education syndication Co-GP model. Is 2026 the year 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-5 finally catches up to this model?
It shall be unlawful for any person, directly or indirectly, by the use of any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce, or of the mails, or of any facility of any national securities exchange,(a) To employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud,
(b) To make any untrue statement of a material fact or to omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or
(c) To engage in any act, practice, or course of business which operates or would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any person, in connection with the purchase or sale of any security.
- 8moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
@Jules Aton The reviews that are posted immediately after purchasing their first turnkey (let alone first investment property) are great. I equate it to someone who’s never eaten sushi leaving a five-star review for a gas-station prepared sushi roll because it didn’t make them sick.
- 8moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Just saw a 15 second ad on instagram of a Guru suggesting wholesaling would lead to an apartment building acquisition and by way of the apartment building a Rolls Royce. Both apartment building and the Rolls Royce were in the video. Must be legit.
- Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8moOnly if the girls in the Royce were wearing bikinis and high heels. If not then the guy is a faker and a shill.
Quote from @Stuart Udis:
Just saw a 15 second ad on instagram of a Guru suggesting wholesaling would lead to an apartment building acquisition and by way of the apartment building a Rolls Royce. Both apartment building and the Rolls Royce were in the video. Must be legit.
- 8moMark S.Pro MemberRental Property Investor · KY · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 537 votes
@Stuart Udis Rolls Royce probably belongs to one of the tenants.
- Real Estate Agent · VA · Member since 2008 · 420 posts · 175 votes8mo
I am in the land space and although it isn't as saturated as the housing space, I will stay say we are getting more and more wholesalers in the game. So I would just add land flipping to the mix as the "easiest" way to get rich quick, lol. If you are reading this in 2026 and beyond please do yourself a favor and get educated on all things prior to doing any of the strategies mentioned including land. Nothing is easy, and you will burnt a lot of capital before you make a return.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes8mo
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
7e investments53 Reviews - 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votesthis model has been around for 100 years.. perfected in the Deserted and deserts of the west and massive subdivisions in FLA. At the note event that Chris put on this year there was actually a vendor there that did this.. not worthless dirt small ranches in the west same principal though buy at tax sale or out of area owner sell on terms.. And then sell the note at least I think thats why they attended the note event. Never did talk to them personally but checked out what they were doing. AS note investments very niche.
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
- Real Estate Agent · VA · Member since 2008 · 420 posts · 175 votes8moOh yeah, there is a lot of sub-niches within the land space and this is one of them. More folks now are looking for subdividing land that most folks will build on with most if not all utilities in place. This is much better for scaling the land business while focusing on growth mindset.
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
- Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Edgar U.:
Oh yeah, there is a lot of sub-niches within the land space and this is one of them. More folks now are looking for subdividing land that most folks will build on with most if not all utilities in place. This is much better for scaling the land business while focusing on growth mindset.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
I have a corner lot on one of my properties. Decent space. I will get creative with that.
- 8moDon KonipolBusiness MemberInvestor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votesI want the “Glengarry Glen Ross” leads.
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
this model has been around for 100 years.. perfected in the Deserted and deserts of the west and massive subdivisions in FLA. At the note event that Chris put on this year there was actually a vendor there that did this.. not worthless dirt small ranches in the west same principal though buy at tax sale or out of area owner sell on terms.. And then sell the note at least I think thats why they attended the note event. Never did talk to them personally but checked out what they were doing. AS note investments very niche.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Don Konipol:
I want the “Glengarry Glen Ross” leads.Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
this model has been around for 100 years.. perfected in the Deserted and deserts of the west and massive subdivisions in FLA. At the note event that Chris put on this year there was actually a vendor there that did this.. not worthless dirt small ranches in the west same principal though buy at tax sale or out of area owner sell on terms.. And then sell the note at least I think thats why they attended the note event. Never did talk to them personally but checked out what they were doing. AS note investments very niche.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
@Edgar U. Yes, this is another. I recall a gentleman in Texas who is buying un buildable lots in the middle of nowhere from tax lien sales and was selling them owner finance at 0%. People were buying them up and the sponsor was making money until people realized what they were buying
should be mandatory viewing for all RE agents and investors starting out.. learn the fine points of sales and marketing and closing.. I started my career with leads and in home presentations and sat through many a meeting just like the movie.. That movie is exactly how that business worked in the day EXACTLY
- Investor · Greenville, SC · Member since 2016 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes8mo
AI is going to change real estate and many industries in a big way. Rookies won't lead that change though...people who work hard will.
- 8moDon KonipolBusiness MemberInvestor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votesChris hit the nail on the head. This is a brilliant analysis and forecast.
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
What’s really interesting is that the basics of all these “strategies” were being taught by “gurus” in the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
In 1959 William (Bill) Nickerson, a former telephone lineman who had begun investing in real estate right after World War II, wrote and had published a book “How I turned $5,000 into $1,000,000 by Investing in Real Estate in my Spare Time. The book was based on Nickerson personal investing, starting with a duplex in poor shape, using his own labor and negotiating skills to move the property from C status to B, and either buying the next property or exchanging for a larger property. This was all residential real estate. Nickerson, shortly followed by George Brockl, a real estate broker out of Wisconsin, were the first to suggest that investing in real estate, outside of a personal residence, was possible for the average person.
whatever the “next new thing” taught by an actor/personality disguised as a real estate investor is, it will follow the “tried and true” formula when it hits Bigger Pockets
1. Someone with 2 posts will post about how “awesome” the guru program is, and ask a question that they hope will lead to them “signing people up “ so they can collect referral fees from the guru
2. Experienced BP posters will answer questioning the viability of the strategy, the experience of the guru, and the outrageous cost of the program
3. The OP will go on the attack, using personal insults, challenges to responders “manhood”, implication of bias, and attempts to “control the conversation” in response to information/opinions he doesn’t want to hear.
4. James Wise will call the OP an idiot; post about the subject guru’s past legal problems, and in general incite the OP into insanity.
5. Jay Hendricks will tell us that the subject guru strategy is illegal in Washington and Oregon, and requires a real estate broker license in California.
6, Chris Seveney will attempt to respond on a professional level, avoiding any personal issues, personal bias, or negative information in general. This will actually incite the OP even more, convinced Chris is doing this just to “mock” him, and despite Chris’ effort at professionalism, the OP will attack Chris personally and just as vehemently as he does with everyone else.
7. Stuart Udis will offer a learned and researched legal opinion of the legal compliance of the subject strategy, which the OP will, despite his entire legal education consisting of watching reruns of Law and Order, declare to be totally stupid and incorrect based on the “if that were true I’d be in jail” Hilary Clinton theory of legal liability.
8. 3 new posters with a total of 2 previous posts total will post about how adherence to the Guru’s teachings changed their life.- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes8mo
@Don Konipol - this post is by far the front runner for response of the year.
7e investments53 Reviews - 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Don Konipol:
Chris hit the nail on the head. This is a brilliant analysis and forecast.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
What’s really interesting is that the basics of all these “strategies” were being taught by “gurus” in the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
In 1959 William (Bill) Nickerson, a former telephone lineman who had begun investing in real estate right after World War II, wrote and had published a book “How I turned $5,000 into $1,000,000 by Investing in Real Estate in my Spare Time. The book was based on Nickerson personal investing, starting with a duplex in poor shape, using his own labor and negotiating skills to move the property from C status to B, and either buying the next property or exchanging for a larger property. This was all residential real estate. Nickerson, shortly followed by George Brockl, a real estate broker out of Wisconsin, were the first to suggest that investing in real estate, outside of a personal residence, was possible for the average person.
whatever the “next new thing” taught by an actor/personality disguised as a real estate investor is, it will follow the “tried and true” formula when it hits Bigger Pockets
1. Someone with 2 posts will post about how “awesome” the guru program is, and ask a question that they hope will lead to them “signing people up “ so they can collect referral fees from the guru
2. Experienced BP posters will answer questioning the viability of the strategy, the experience of the guru, and the outrageous cost of the program
3. The OP will go on the attack, using personal insults, challenges to responders “manhood”, implication of bias, and attempts to “control the conversation” in response to information/opinions he doesn’t want to hear.
4. James Wise will call the OP an idiot; post about the subject guru’s past legal problems, and in general incite the OP into insanity.
5. Jay Hendricks will tell us that the subject guru strategy is illegal in Washington and Oregon, and requires a real estate broker license in California.
6, Chris Seveney will attempt to respond on a professional level, avoiding any personal issues, personal bias, or negative information in general. This will actually incite the OP even more, convinced Chris is doing this just to “mock” him, and despite Chris’ effort at professionalism, the OP will attack Chris personally and just as vehemently as he does with everyone else.
7. Stuart Udis will offer a learned and researched legal opinion of the legal compliance of the subject strategy, which the OP will, despite his entire legal education consisting of watching reruns of Law and Order, declare to be totally stupid and incorrect based on the “if that were true I’d be in jail” Hilary Clinton theory of legal liability.
8. 3 new posters with a total of 2 previous posts total will post about how adherence to the Guru’s teachings changed their life.
WHoa Don.. Sub to is legal everywhere what is not is wholesaling .. the way its taught .. Oregon just created clear cut laws on it and one does need a wholesalers license and disclosures that have to be posted on all their marketing materials etc.
Sub to in my mind though is quite dangerous for the average seller who has no clue that they just signed over their property but the loan is still in there name and on their credit - 8moDon KonipolBusiness MemberInvestor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Don Konipol:
Chris hit the nail on the head. This is a brilliant analysis and forecast.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
What’s really interesting is that the basics of all these “strategies” were being taught by “gurus” in the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
In 1959 William (Bill) Nickerson, a former telephone lineman who had begun investing in real estate right after World War II, wrote and had published a book “How I turned $5,000 into $1,000,000 by Investing in Real Estate in my Spare Time. The book was based on Nickerson personal investing, starting with a duplex in poor shape, using his own labor and negotiating skills to move the property from C status to B, and either buying the next property or exchanging for a larger property. This was all residential real estate. Nickerson, shortly followed by George Brockl, a real estate broker out of Wisconsin, were the first to suggest that investing in real estate, outside of a personal residence, was possible for the average person.
whatever the “next new thing” taught by an actor/personality disguised as a real estate investor is, it will follow the “tried and true” formula when it hits Bigger Pockets
1. Someone with 2 posts will post about how “awesome” the guru program is, and ask a question that they hope will lead to them “signing people up “ so they can collect referral fees from the guru
2. Experienced BP posters will answer questioning the viability of the strategy, the experience of the guru, and the outrageous cost of the program
3. The OP will go on the attack, using personal insults, challenges to responders “manhood”, implication of bias, and attempts to “control the conversation” in response to information/opinions he doesn’t want to hear.
4. James Wise will call the OP an idiot; post about the subject guru’s past legal problems, and in general incite the OP into insanity.
5. Jay Hendricks will tell us that the subject guru strategy is illegal in Washington and Oregon, and requires a real estate broker license in California.
6, Chris Seveney will attempt to respond on a professional level, avoiding any personal issues, personal bias, or negative information in general. This will actually incite the OP even more, convinced Chris is doing this just to “mock” him, and despite Chris’ effort at professionalism, the OP will attack Chris personally and just as vehemently as he does with everyone else.
7. Stuart Udis will offer a learned and researched legal opinion of the legal compliance of the subject strategy, which the OP will, despite his entire legal education consisting of watching reruns of Law and Order, declare to be totally stupid and incorrect based on the “if that were true I’d be in jail” Hilary Clinton theory of legal liability.
8. 3 new posters with a total of 2 previous posts total will post about how adherence to the Guru’s teachings changed their life.
WHoa Don.. Sub to is legal everywhere what is not is wholesaling .. the way its taught .. Oregon just created clear cut laws on it and one does need a wholesalers license and disclosures that have to be posted on all their marketing materials etc.
Sub to in my mind though is quite dangerous for the average seller who has no clue that they just signed over their property but the loan is still in there name and on their creditMy post was unclear. What I said the subject guru strategy, I wasn’t referring to the “subject to” strategy; I was referring to the ‘SUBJECT’ strategy that the guru of my post would be promoting. Not any one specific strategy. However, you do make a good point. Only 9 out of 10 out of the box strategies are illegal in Washington/Oregon, the other one somehow got under the regulators radar. LOL
- Lender · Charleston, SC · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Don Konipol:
Chris hit the nail on the head. This is a brilliant analysis and forecast.Quote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
What’s really interesting is that the basics of all these “strategies” were being taught by “gurus” in the mid 1970s to mid 1980s.
In 1959 William (Bill) Nickerson, a former telephone lineman who had begun investing in real estate right after World War II, wrote and had published a book “How I turned $5,000 into $1,000,000 by Investing in Real Estate in my Spare Time. The book was based on Nickerson personal investing, starting with a duplex in poor shape, using his own labor and negotiating skills to move the property from C status to B, and either buying the next property or exchanging for a larger property. This was all residential real estate. Nickerson, shortly followed by George Brockl, a real estate broker out of Wisconsin, were the first to suggest that investing in real estate, outside of a personal residence, was possible for the average person.
whatever the “next new thing” taught by an actor/personality disguised as a real estate investor is, it will follow the “tried and true” formula when it hits Bigger Pockets
1. Someone with 2 posts will post about how “awesome” the guru program is, and ask a question that they hope will lead to them “signing people up “ so they can collect referral fees from the guru
2. Experienced BP posters will answer questioning the viability of the strategy, the experience of the guru, and the outrageous cost of the program
3. The OP will go on the attack, using personal insults, challenges to responders “manhood”, implication of bias, and attempts to “control the conversation” in response to information/opinions he doesn’t want to hear.
4. James Wise will call the OP an idiot; post about the subject guru’s past legal problems, and in general incite the OP into insanity.
5. Jay Hendricks will tell us that the subject guru strategy is illegal in Washington and Oregon, and requires a real estate broker license in California.
6, Chris Seveney will attempt to respond on a professional level, avoiding any personal issues, personal bias, or negative information in general. This will actually incite the OP even more, convinced Chris is doing this just to “mock” him, and despite Chris’ effort at professionalism, the OP will attack Chris personally and just as vehemently as he does with everyone else.
7. Stuart Udis will offer a learned and researched legal opinion of the legal compliance of the subject strategy, which the OP will, despite his entire legal education consisting of watching reruns of Law and Order, declare to be totally stupid and incorrect based on the “if that were true I’d be in jail” Hilary Clinton theory of legal liability.
8. 3 new posters with a total of 2 previous posts total will post about how adherence to the Guru’s teachings changed their life.4 made me giggle
- 8moNicholas L.Pro MemberFlipper/Rehabber · Pittsburgh · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
1000 votes - I laughed out loud at 4 and 5.
- Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !! - 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!The time to buy was yesterday. The country is going to go through a stabilzation period now
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!The time to buy was yesterday. The country is going to go through a stabilzation period now
or small commerical buildings in Minneapolis once the rents stop. - 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Remington Lyman:
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!The time to buy was yesterday. The country is going to go through a stabilzation period now
or small commerical buildings in Minneapolis once the rents stop.Ngl I have a retail building in Columbus, Ohio I lease out to a daycare... 👀👀
- Investor · Fort Washington, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!lol
- Lender · Charleston, SC · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!Im not sure about this. I was an actor in this movie last time. The next Act is civil war as the factions battle for power. Once thats over, any surviving properties could be good bets.
- Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mark Cruse:
Someone will probably get creative. When bitcoin is up, there are gurus and enthusiastic people who talk your head off about it.
Someone smart will convince and teach people to buy STR overseas or South America with Crypto.
now is the time to buy in Venezuela buy the dip !!Nope, I'm holding tight for the real opportunity to come; Cuba.
With Venezuela off the board, that locks Cuba's collapse in coming month's.
And Cuba's collapse of the regime, assures the rubber-band effect into not just democratic governance but wide-open for business and begging for USD inflow, because they need it, bad, real bad.
it will be a tourism boom unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes. Perfect location, perfect situational setup to make investment USD go a long ways. Carnival, Hilton, Harrah's, you name it it will be a race of the who's who snatching up positions.
"The Don" will make some deals to cement position in USA sphere, and his go-to weapon is opening the economy, development.
People think Ohio was cheap in the $100k range, lol, imagine what will happen when can get 2 Havana homes for that $100k.
RU has no ability to support Cuba through this, and China is in a tough spot to infill the void Cuba would require to be stood up to survive as-is. Nope, the end is neigh for Cuban communism.
- Flipper/Rehabber · CA · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes8mo
Lol! Don't wins the internet & "You were there"!
The Ohio REA cartel will extols the virtues of Columbus etc.
And, of course, Henry Clark will post pictures of food.
Gotta love this forum
- 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Alan F.:
Lol! Don't wins the internet & "You were there"!
The Ohio REA cartel will extols the virtues of Columbus etc.
And, of course, Henry Clark will post pictures of food.
Gotta love this forum
National Association of REALTORS® Unveils Top 10 Homebuying Hot Spots for 2026
- 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
If you look at prior years, the pattern is pretty clear.
1. Subject-to was repackaged as new, while the real risks around due-on-sale, insurance, and long-term liability were rarely emphasized, also highlighted as "creative finance".
2. Short-term rental arbitrage was sold as controlling assets with no capital, until regulation, lease enforcement, and seasonality showed up, especially during covid.
3.Wholesaling on the MLS promised volume over skill, as quick dollars.
None of these were new strategies. They were timing plays, marketed hardest to rookies about "anyone can do this with no money"
What will it be this year. My guess: this year’s version will likely be the same strategies with a new wrapper: AI-powered real estate investing.
Expect claims around AI finding deals, underwriting instantly, or replacing experience with automation. Tools can improve efficiency, but they do not change risk, capital costs, or market cycles. Bad assumptions move faster with software.
The constant is that real estate rewards discipline, capital structure, and downside management. Shiny objects tend to reward marketing skill instead.
If a training avoids discussing what happens when a deal underperforms, that is usually the real signal to avoid.
AI cold calling and texting wholesale companies managed by virtual assistants in Venezuela to find off market creative financing deals that US owners can airbnb arbitrage
- Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes8mo
I’m eagerly awaiting the return of the Extra Platinum Exclusive Worldwide McRib Investor Special system that @Jim K. used to offer.
- Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Steve K.:
I’m eagerly awaiting the return of the Extra Platinum Exclusive Worldwide McRib Investor Special system that @Jim K. used to offer.
You are going to get me in so much trouble, Steve. I had to give my word not to resurrect McRib International Seminars or I'd be banned from this site. At the end, they had interns shooting me multiple warning emails three times a day. Mystery meat and real estate investing is just a terrible combination.
- Realtor · Boulder, CO · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 5k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Jim K.:
Quote from @Steve K.:
I’m eagerly awaiting the return of the Extra Platinum Exclusive Worldwide McRib Investor Special system that @Jim K. used to offer.
You are going to get me in so much trouble, Steve. I had to give my word not to resurrect McRib International Seminars or I'd be banned from this site. At the end, they had interns shooting me multiple warning emails three times a day. Mystery meat and real estate investing is just a terrible combination.
Time to pivot: Spam Musubi Global Leaders in Local Real Estate Summit, Pittsburgh, Spring 2027. With the vigorous interest in international investing evidenced by this thread, the core focus should be investing in countries that have recently been conquered: Ukraine, Venezuela, Gaza, Cuba, East Timor, Spain, Portugal (the latter two conquered by a soft invasion as opposed to military invasion, just obnoxious expats driving prices up so much that locals cannot afford to live in their home towns anymore).
- Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Steve K.:
Quote from @Jim K.:
Quote from @Steve K.:
I’m eagerly awaiting the return of the Extra Platinum Exclusive Worldwide McRib Investor Special system that @Jim K. used to offer.
You are going to get me in so much trouble, Steve. I had to give my word not to resurrect McRib International Seminars or I'd be banned from this site. At the end, they had interns shooting me multiple warning emails three times a day. Mystery meat and real estate investing is just a terrible combination.
Time to pivot: Spam Musubi Global Leaders in Local Real Estate Summit, Pittsburgh, Spring 2027. With the vigorous interest in international investing evidenced by this thread, the core focus should be investing in countries that have recently been conquered: Ukraine, Venezuela, Gaza, Cuba, East Timor, Spain, Portugal (the latter two conquered by a soft invasion as opposed to military invasion, just obnoxious expats driving prices up so much that locals cannot afford to live in their home towns anymore).
Oh wow, by that definition, Pittsburgh itself is on the list!
- Mechanicsburg, PA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes8mo
@Jay Hinrichs Right on! In the 1950s Venezuela was the 4th richest country in the world, ahead of Canada, Japan and Spain. And could be again?
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @David Krulac:
@Jay Hinrichs Right on! In the 1950s Venezuela was the 4th richest country in the world, ahead of Canada, Japan and Spain. And could be again?
having been to spain a number of times I cant see how that country could be one of the richest unless they stashed all that gold they took from the Inca's.. as they certainly do not put in long hours.. business's closed 4 to 5 hours during the middle of the day :) but then again they go to dinner at 10pm
- Investor · Member since 2022 · 157 posts · 162 votes8moMaybe real estate NFTs... you can buy a few pixels of a picture of a great house FOR A STEAL!!! You'd be a fool not to invest.
Or
AI agents buying AI properties with AI IOU's and the resulting mortgages can be bundled and re-sold in the secondary market... I think Pace is already on this one.
It truly will be interesting to see what "new" object hits the street this year... or maybe with the market not being as hot the gurus just fade to the background. - Investor · Malakoff, TX · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes8mo
Maybe "Get rich quick investing with us to buy bankrupt commercial real estate".
- Investor · Malakoff, TX · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes8mo
I recent had someone ask me to sell him a property at half market price with owner financing at 0% for 30 years. When I responded "LOL" he asked what was funny. Maybe he had been to a guru training.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes8mo
Just waiting to see the next Zoom webinar about how to invest in Venezuela coming to a forum post very soon
7e investments53 Reviews - 8moMike LambertPro MemberInvestor · The Americas and Europe · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
- 8moJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. With a similar situation, Spain isn't far behind. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
my reply was more factious than anything and based on my experince of being a tourist and wondering why the shops all closed for the better part of the day.. - 8moMike LambertPro MemberInvestor · The Americas and Europe · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. With a similar situation, Spain isn't far behind. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
my reply was more factious than anything and based on my experince of being a tourist and wondering why the shops all closed for the better part of the day..Yes, which you mentioned but, I was addressing many people's opinion (including my old own) that extrapolate beyond that. Mind you, I don't know when and where you went but I'm actually currently in a small city in the Costa del Sol in the middle of winter and the supermarket is open from 9 am to 9.30 pm pretty much everyday no siesta. And I've traveled and lived all across the world and I've never seen personnel at the cash register who is that quick and efficient anywhere else. Things have changed!
- 8moV.G JasonPro MemberInvestor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
Let's pause a bit on the bias. Nothing's really changed about Spain or the locals there, it's everyone else there--tourists and foreign workers-- that have given it a rally. And then Portugal's become a real anchor for retirees so proximity has lifted Spain.
Spain and Portugal have had a strong economic surge in the last 2 years because of mainly tourism & labor supply growth. Tourism happens cyclically in EU wherever supply gets cheaper provided safety isn't compromised. Supply is cheaper cause no country has higher migration of low labor workers than Spain. Other EU countries have issues with both, but locals in Spain appear to complain about both.
Unemployment is just under 11% and that includes the labor supply growth from central/south American and African foreigners. Believe usual trends are 17% unemployment. UK is facing unemployment turmoil at less than half that percentile.
Nothings changed about the people of Spain, they still are pretty damn lazy. It's everyone else that's been showing up and capitalizing on it. Wait till reform on tourism and migration happens, then it'll revert to the mean. There's already going to be laws on STRs, tourist taxes, etc. can almost always count on Spain getting in their own way.
Beautiful place though, for sure. - 8moMike LambertPro MemberInvestor · The Americas and Europe · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
Let's pause a bit on the bias. Nothing's really changed about Spain or the locals there, it's everyone else there--tourists and foreign workers-- that have given it a rally. And then Portugal's become a real anchor for retirees so proximity has lifted Spain.
Spain and Portugal have had a strong economic surge in the last 2 years because of mainly tourism & labor supply growth. Tourism happens cyclically in EU wherever supply gets cheaper provided safety isn't compromised. Supply is cheaper cause no country has higher migration of low labor workers than Spain. Other EU countries have issues with both, but locals in Spain appear to complain about both.
Unemployment is just under 11% and that includes the labor supply growth from central/south American and African foreigners. Believe usual trends are 17% unemployment. UK is facing unemployment turmoil at less than half that percentile.
Nothings changed about the people of Spain, they still are pretty damn lazy. It's everyone else that's been showing up and capitalizing on it. Wait till reform on tourism and migration happens, then it'll revert to the mean. There's already going to be laws on STRs, tourist taxes, etc. can almost always count on Spain getting in their own way.
Beautiful place though, for sure.For sure, tourism has helped but it's not just that. Due to Europe's economic and social model, unemployment is higher than the US. When I grew up in Belgium, employment at around 10% was considered normal. Which model is better is a whole other discussion. At the height of the global recession, I think Spain had like 23% unemployment, so they've gone a long way. But there's much more to do indeed.
There are more and more Americans that travel and move to Spain and Portugal. Republicans and democrats from all parts of the country, from the average to the very wealthy person. I've met many while spending time in the country and some have become friends. They don't share that view about Spain and Spanish people being lazy. Also, they have no intention of going back to the US. People in the banking industry tell me that the huge changed lately is that, before, Americans moving there would keep their money in the US. Now, more and more are taking their money with them.
To be clear, if you ask me which country has the most efficient economy or the best customer service between Spain and the US, it's the US. There isn't even a contest. But Spanish people don't have laziness in their genes and you'll know that better than me but I don't think Hispanics in the US are a lazy bunch.
- 8moV.G JasonPro MemberInvestor · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
Let's pause a bit on the bias. Nothing's really changed about Spain or the locals there, it's everyone else there--tourists and foreign workers-- that have given it a rally. And then Portugal's become a real anchor for retirees so proximity has lifted Spain.
Spain and Portugal have had a strong economic surge in the last 2 years because of mainly tourism & labor supply growth. Tourism happens cyclically in EU wherever supply gets cheaper provided safety isn't compromised. Supply is cheaper cause no country has higher migration of low labor workers than Spain. Other EU countries have issues with both, but locals in Spain appear to complain about both.
Unemployment is just under 11% and that includes the labor supply growth from central/south American and African foreigners. Believe usual trends are 17% unemployment. UK is facing unemployment turmoil at less than half that percentile.
Nothings changed about the people of Spain, they still are pretty damn lazy. It's everyone else that's been showing up and capitalizing on it. Wait till reform on tourism and migration happens, then it'll revert to the mean. There's already going to be laws on STRs, tourist taxes, etc. can almost always count on Spain getting in their own way.
Beautiful place though, for sure.For sure, tourism has helped but it's not just that. Due to Europe's economic and social model, unemployment is higher than the US. When I grew up in Belgium, employment at around 10% was considered normal. Which model is better is a whole other discussion. At the height of the global recession, I think Spain had like 23% unemployment, so they've gone a long way. But there's much more to do indeed.
There are more and more Americans that travel and move to Spain and Portugal. Republicans and democrats from all parts of the country, from the average to the very wealthy person. I've met many while spending time in the country and some have become friends. They don't share that view about Spain and Spanish people being lazy. Also, they have no intention of going back to the US. People in the banking industry tell me that the huge changed lately is that, before, Americans moving there would keep their money in the US. Now, more and more are taking their money with them.
To be clear, if you ask me which country has the most efficient economy or the best customer service between Spain and the US, it's the US. There isn't even a contest. But Spanish people don't have laziness in their genes and you'll know that better than me but I don't think Hispanics in the US are a lazy bunch.
I am referencing the country as a whole as quite lazy as a culture. Spaniards represent someone from Spain, Hispanics reference someone from a Spanish language speaking country. As a whole, most would say both are actually quite lazy in their respective home countries. In America, like in Spain, the Hispanics cannot afford to be lazy. That's veering from the point a bit but there's a difference between the two.
The culture is still lazy. It's less lazy than the American culture and younger Asian population though, and that's been the significant change.
I don't disagree about people moving but it's just to arbitrage the dollar. Lots of people move to SE Asia to do the same, the ones doing it in Spain and Portugal are usually well off. You'll see this happen more as time goes, but it's nothing new. Panama was the flavor a while back. I would take relaxing in Valencia over Myrtle Beach, and most US families with exposure to both would agree.
I'm assuming you worked for Santander or BBVA?
- 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
Let's pause a bit on the bias. Nothing's really changed about Spain or the locals there, it's everyone else there--tourists and foreign workers-- that have given it a rally. And then Portugal's become a real anchor for retirees so proximity has lifted Spain.
Spain and Portugal have had a strong economic surge in the last 2 years because of mainly tourism & labor supply growth. Tourism happens cyclically in EU wherever supply gets cheaper provided safety isn't compromised. Supply is cheaper cause no country has higher migration of low labor workers than Spain. Other EU countries have issues with both, but locals in Spain appear to complain about both.
Unemployment is just under 11% and that includes the labor supply growth from central/south American and African foreigners. Believe usual trends are 17% unemployment. UK is facing unemployment turmoil at less than half that percentile.
Nothings changed about the people of Spain, they still are pretty damn lazy. It's everyone else that's been showing up and capitalizing on it. Wait till reform on tourism and migration happens, then it'll revert to the mean. There's already going to be laws on STRs, tourist taxes, etc. can almost always count on Spain getting in their own way.
Beautiful place though, for sure.For sure, tourism has helped but it's not just that. Due to Europe's economic and social model, unemployment is higher than the US. When I grew up in Belgium, employment at around 10% was considered normal. Which model is better is a whole other discussion. At the height of the global recession, I think Spain had like 23% unemployment, so they've gone a long way. But there's much more to do indeed.
There are more and more Americans that travel and move to Spain and Portugal. Republicans and democrats from all parts of the country, from the average to the very wealthy person. I've met many while spending time in the country and some have become friends. They don't share that view about Spain and Spanish people being lazy. Also, they have no intention of going back to the US. People in the banking industry tell me that the huge changed lately is that, before, Americans moving there would keep their money in the US. Now, more and more are taking their money with them.
To be clear, if you ask me which country has the most efficient economy or the best customer service between Spain and the US, it's the US. There isn't even a contest. But Spanish people don't have laziness in their genes and you'll know that better than me but I don't think Hispanics in the US are a lazy bunch.
I do not think they have lazy genes. I just think their culture does not promote capitalism as much as US does. Which is why they should promote us coming in and buying their real estate to capitalize on it. I would definitely do a nice vacation home in Spain! I have been there a few times and I love it! Although I would probably do someplace in Central or South America first since it is closer, same time zone, and cheaper.
- Real Estate Broker · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 6k+ votes8mo
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
Quote from @V.G Jason:
Quote from @Mike Lambert:
I'm going to comment on the comment you made about Spain in this thread. I often come across some of your posts or replies through my keyword alerts. However, because they're always so well arguments, there's never much that I could add and therefore wouldn't comment. I'm doing it this time because it relates to Spain and international real estate in countries like Spain is my area of expertise. But I first want to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding contribution to the BiggerPockets and real estate community.
The comments you made about Spain might be half or a full joke but they reflect the beliefs of many, and I was one of them. Indeed, I was born and bred in Belgium and then lived in the Netherlands, Australia and Canada, all countries much wealthier than Spain. Spain, along with the other PIIGS countries, almost went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was saved by the wealthy North European countries through the EU, among which my dear Belgium and powerhouse Germany of course. There were preconceived ideas that people in those countries were poor because they're lazy and there were many jokes running about that topic.
In my last job as an international banker though (in Canada), I was actually financing the Spanish banks and therefore I came to know the country and its economy, including real estate, quite intimately (and, as a result, I ended up investing in Spanish real estate). In that role, I witnessed the start of an amazing comeback and turnaround. Today, Germany is in crisis and Spain and Portugal are the best performing economies in Europe, and real estate markets by the way, and they're doing better than the US, even though the economy is benefiting from massive fiscal and monetary stimulus. So much so that the world's most respected economics publication, the Economist, just named Portugal the world's best economy for 2025, thanks to its strong GDP growth, low inflation and booming stock and real estate markets and one could add perpetually low interest rates. Spain was last year's winner, for the same reasons. As you can imagine, these countries and their people had to work particularly hard to pull it off.
Given the choice between investing in real estate in Spain or the US only, or Canada for that matter, I'll go for Spain without hesitating and I do.@David Krulac Venezuela was indeed the 4th richest country in the world then, and even most incredibly, that was before the oil shock of the 1970s, which made oil subsequently much more valuable. Hopefully, the country is finally starting the turn around, as is Argentina, kinda same story.
Let's pause a bit on the bias. Nothing's really changed about Spain or the locals there, it's everyone else there--tourists and foreign workers-- that have given it a rally. And then Portugal's become a real anchor for retirees so proximity has lifted Spain.
Spain and Portugal have had a strong economic surge in the last 2 years because of mainly tourism & labor supply growth. Tourism happens cyclically in EU wherever supply gets cheaper provided safety isn't compromised. Supply is cheaper cause no country has higher migration of low labor workers than Spain. Other EU countries have issues with both, but locals in Spain appear to complain about both.
Unemployment is just under 11% and that includes the labor supply growth from central/south American and African foreigners. Believe usual trends are 17% unemployment. UK is facing unemployment turmoil at less than half that percentile.
Nothings changed about the people of Spain, they still are pretty damn lazy. It's everyone else that's been showing up and capitalizing on it. Wait till reform on tourism and migration happens, then it'll revert to the mean. There's already going to be laws on STRs, tourist taxes, etc. can almost always count on Spain getting in their own way.
Beautiful place though, for sure.For sure, tourism has helped but it's not just that. Due to Europe's economic and social model, unemployment is higher than the US. When I grew up in Belgium, employment at around 10% was considered normal. Which model is better is a whole other discussion. At the height of the global recession, I think Spain had like 23% unemployment, so they've gone a long way. But there's much more to do indeed.
There are more and more Americans that travel and move to Spain and Portugal. Republicans and democrats from all parts of the country, from the average to the very wealthy person. I've met many while spending time in the country and some have become friends. They don't share that view about Spain and Spanish people being lazy. Also, they have no intention of going back to the US. People in the banking industry tell me that the huge changed lately is that, before, Americans moving there would keep their money in the US. Now, more and more are taking their money with them.
To be clear, if you ask me which country has the most efficient economy or the best customer service between Spain and the US, it's the US. There isn't even a contest. But Spanish people don't have laziness in their genes and you'll know that better than me but I don't think Hispanics in the US are a lazy bunch.
I am referencing the country as a whole as quite lazy as a culture. Spaniards represent someone from Spain, Hispanics reference someone from a Spanish language speaking country. As a whole, most would say both are actually quite lazy in their respective home countries. In America, like in Spain, the Hispanics cannot afford to be lazy. That's veering from the point a bit but there's a difference between the two.
The culture is still lazy. It's less lazy than the American culture and younger Asian population though, and that's been the significant change.
I don't disagree about people moving but it's just to arbitrage the dollar. Lots of people move to SE Asia to do the same, the ones doing it in Spain and Portugal are usually well off. You'll see this happen more as time goes, but it's nothing new. Panama was the flavor a while back. I would take relaxing in Valencia over Myrtle Beach, and most US families with exposure to both would agree.
I'm assuming you worked for Santander or BBVA?
It's not a "lazy" culture, it's a Mediterranean one, big difference.
To coin it "lazy" is a very "American" thing.
The cultural difference could be stated as the parable of the old bull and the young bull.
Keep in mind your snubbing your nose up at nations and cultures that were ancient before America was even discovered. Do you think it plausible that maybe, just maybe, they know a thing or 2 US culture hasn't come to learn just yet?
Are they lacking for anything in the European countries? Food, water, heath care, roads etc etc? No? So is it lazy, or just different? Wouldn't lazy = lacking?
Fruit for thought.
- Member since 2024 · 222 posts · 161 votes8mo
There's one scheme that I don't see mentioned much. In my early years of investing I remember going to some free real estate sessions. They always had some kind of course that costs thousands. The free session was always a teaser with little if any real value.
One of the things promoted was a postcard mail program. "We buy homes for cash."
For many years I've gotten these kind of flyers trying often to target one of my properties. Some may be legitimate, but I know many are an attempt to find or create the impression of low value distressed property. They usually have some kind of lipstick to put on their pig claiming their offer is market value and near immediate.
- Investor · Member since 2022 · 157 posts · 162 votes8mo
@Charles Perkins I own a few properties in the Kansas City MO market and I only get those mailers about one property in particular... I take it as an indicator that I'm sitting on something numerous people are interested in and that SFR really tickles other investors fancy for some reason... I'm keeping it for sure ;).
- Member since 2024 · 222 posts · 161 votes8moI seem to get these on nearly all of my properties here in Washington. The biggest thing I see is an attempt at trying to take the work out of finding legitimate deals. Some seem to want to make low ball offers to protect themselves from not performing their proper due diligence. Good due diligence lowers one's risk and is more likely to lead to better buying decisions.
Quote from @George Red:
@Charles Perkins I own a few properties in the Kansas City MO market and I only get those mailers about one property in particular... I take it as an indicator that I'm sitting on something numerous people are interested in and that SFR really tickles other investors fancy for some reason... I'm keeping it for sure ;).
- 8moStuart UdisPro MemberAttorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
I was discussing this forum thread with a friend last night and he pointed out these guru's possess chameleon tendencies and will adjust their offerings more often than then the people they target change the oil in their cars. He gave one example who was raising capital for multi-family real estate and allegedly "owned" 700+ apartment units within 9 months, to then bad mouthing the multi-family investment space and raising capital for RV parks to now being a personal finance expert and selling course and coaching materials on personal finance.....all within 12 months.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes8mo
Quote from @Stuart Udis:
I was discussing this forum thread with a friend last night and he pointed out these guru's possess chameleon tendencies and will adjust their offerings more often than then the people they target change the oil in their cars. He gave one example who was raising capital for multi-family real estate and allegedly "owned" 700+ apartment units within 9 months, to then bad mouthing the multi-family investment space and raising capital for RV parks to now being a personal finance expert and selling course and coaching materials on personal finance.....all within 12 months.
Someone I highly respect once told me the key to these guru programs is:
In absence of a product, an idea will usually be sold; when the idea is lacking, a lifestyle is pushed. When they don’t have the lifestyle, they often focus on a ‘message’. When there isn’t much of a message, the fallback is traditional values and leveraging a religious angle.
Some examples were:
1. One person sells the idea (They claim to make $40k a month)
2. Another markets lifestyle (their innumerable selfies).
3. Another pushes a message (inspiration, positivity, tire kicker, invest with other peoples money or no money etc.)
4. Another pushed their religious family and values to get investors and sell.
7e investments53 Reviews - 8moRemington LymanBusiness MemberReal Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
Quote from @Stuart Udis:
I was discussing this forum thread with a friend last night and he pointed out these guru's possess chameleon tendencies and will adjust their offerings more often than then the people they target change the oil in their cars. He gave one example who was raising capital for multi-family real estate and allegedly "owned" 700+ apartment units within 9 months, to then bad mouthing the multi-family investment space and raising capital for RV parks to now being a personal finance expert and selling course and coaching materials on personal finance.....all within 12 months.
Someone I highly respect once told me the key to these guru programs is:
In absence of a product, an idea will usually be sold; when the idea is lacking, a lifestyle is pushed. When they don’t have the lifestyle, they often focus on a ‘message’. When there isn’t much of a message, the fallback is traditional values and leveraging a religious angle.
Some examples were:
1. One person sells the idea (They claim to make $40k a month)
2. Another markets lifestyle (their innumerable selfies).
3. Another pushes a message (inspiration, positivity, tire kicker, invest with other peoples money or no money etc.)
4. Another pushed their religious family and values to get investors and sell.
This is an amazing way to think about it!
- 8moDon KonipolBusiness MemberInvestor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votesStraight out of the MLM (oops, I mean network marketing ) playbook
Quote from @Chris Seveney:
Quote from @Stuart Udis:
I was discussing this forum thread with a friend last night and he pointed out these guru's possess chameleon tendencies and will adjust their offerings more often than then the people they target change the oil in their cars. He gave one example who was raising capital for multi-family real estate and allegedly "owned" 700+ apartment units within 9 months, to then bad mouthing the multi-family investment space and raising capital for RV parks to now being a personal finance expert and selling course and coaching materials on personal finance.....all within 12 months.
Someone I highly respect once told me the key to these guru programs is:
In absence of a product, an idea will usually be sold; when the idea is lacking, a lifestyle is pushed. When they don’t have the lifestyle, they often focus on a ‘message’. When there isn’t much of a message, the fallback is traditional values and leveraging a religious angle.
Some examples were:
1. One person sells the idea (They claim to make $40k a month)
2. Another markets lifestyle (their innumerable selfies).
3. Another pushes a message (inspiration, positivity, tire kicker, invest with other peoples money or no money etc.)
4. Another pushed their religious family and values to get investors and sell.
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