Peter Harris Coaching - Disappointed

Peter Harris Coaching - Disappointed

Lender · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2014 · 70 posts · 67 votes

Peter Harris, for those that don't know, is the co-author of Commercial Real estate for Dummies book. I have read it multiple times and I even watched all his videos on YouTube. One day I finally went to his website and it talked about his coaching program. So I inquired about it. By the next day I was contacted by someone to get more information on me and what I have done so far in real estate investing. That interview lasted about an hour. I was contacted a couple other times in between the first and second interview and was told many times that the only way they get paid is from splitting your deals that you work on together. Which was fine with me. I was happy about this cause some coaching programs wanted $10k - $30k up front which I don't have. I even mentioned this to them and they said, "we work differently than other coaching programs".

Then the second interview came a few days later. And they ran through how their coaching program works. They talked a lot about working under fire. Meaning they don't just sit you down to teach you, they teach you by you actually going out and working on live deals which they help you with. They pretty much take you by the hand and walk you through the deal. They teach you how to look for deals, analyze markets, how to structure the deal and present the offers, how to do due diligence, and how to manage the properties. And every other aspect of commercial investing. You get 2 coaching calls (apparently with Peter himself) per week, which has a few students on the call, and a one on one call as well (not sure how often). They also talked about some deal assessment review board that helps you run the numbers of your deals.

Then the disappointment came. They told me that I would need to put up $10k - $20k up front for the training. And on top of that, I would also have to pay $197/month for "tool fees". I assume this means paying for their software that they use (e-partner software). I was like WTF? They had told me that they only take the split of the deal and that "they were a different type of coaching program" to find out that they are just the same as everyone else.

I was so disappointed. Looking for a good mentor that will help you through deals for only a split of the deals is very hard to find. I had one when I started doing residential back in 2001. And finding one for commercial now is nearly impossible. So when I found Mr. Harris's coaching I was excited, only to be let down.

I hate when people / companies mislead people. If they would have told me up front what their real fees were, I would have said thank you and been on my way. I could have respected that. But they (Peter Harris and his company) quickly lost any respect I had for them. Instead I wasted a bunch of time on phone calls for them to hype up their program only to be let down.

Just thought I would post my thoughts here for anyone considering their coaching program so they are not get misled like I was.

Karma

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Investor · Sherman Oaks, CA · Member since 2008 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
12y

I was being conversational. I felt the OPs frustration.

@Rick H. that was a generous response.

Very few folks at BP have had true training in Mortgage Origination, Probate, BKs, Divorce, Wraps, AITDs, CFDs, Lease Options, Title Problems, Sub2 and Land Trusts, negotiating with the seller, DOTs and Mortgages, subordination of notes, substitution of collateral, etc.

Residential is where the OPPORTUNITY is, to solve problems for home sellers.

I HEAR you getting dissappointed, I hear it all day.

I had a student contact me that she paid $30K to learn REI from a very well known GURU. She was an experienced flipper, and then 90 days later she found out the hard way her "coach" was in a cubicle reading out of a book, never done a deal. It is the industry plague.

She was pissed, felt duped and conned. And unfortunately it happens every day.

Mind set is key, as Rick said. Finding a "mentor" is not easy. There is a thread about "finding a mentor" here

http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/16/finding-mentor-real-estate/

Being a bird dogger for a wholesaler and making a small amount of money might be an answer.

Working at a title company or real estate attorney's office might be an answer.

Even working as a realtor's assistant might be an answer.

@K. Marie Poe undefined

Here is my favorite inspirational source, the late Jim Rohn.

“When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get it.”

“You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight”

“You don't get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.”

“Success is doing ordinary things extraordinarily well.”

“Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.”

“If you go to work on your goals, your goals will go to work on you. If you go to work on your plan, your plan will go to work on you. Whatever good things we build end up building us.”

“To solve any problem, here are three questions to ask yourself: First, what could I do? Second, what could I read? And third, who could I ask?”

“If you don't design your own life plan, chances are you'll fall into someone else's plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”

“Without a sense of urgency, desire loses its value.”

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.”

@Karma Senge MAN I love your name! Go get em brother!

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  • Lender · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2014 · 70 posts · 67 votes
    10y

    Yes I did. My mentor is Craig Haskell of Valuehound Academy.

  • Investor · High Springs, FL · Member since 2016 · 17 posts · 10 votes
    10y

    I'm pretty late to the game but I also stumbled upon David Harris, his videos, his websites, and the CPA website. I'm brand new to all this but decided to take advantage of a mentor service to get me started more quickly. The price? As pointed out above, it is $250k (being half of $500k) or $10k, whichever comes first. Split profits to $500k (realized profits - I had to know so I asked) then the $10k is returned. They call the $10k a retainer. I'm glad I found this thread before my first interview, however, as I was ready for it. I was told about it during the first interview so for me, it was up front. I'm with Karma in that if I did not know about it and discovered after a series of calls, I'd be frustrated and unlikely to do business with anyone who does that. It did not happen that way here. In fact, within 2 days of accepting their invitation to join (got to love this phrasing), I got a call from Peter, had 2 calls to go over the software, the program, etc, etc. I've had my first group call and an introduction with Peter and so far, it is very professional. I listened to a prerecorded group call and it was also useful and interesting. Being so new, I can't really report how it will turn out and won't have much time to read about anything as my first load of homework is enough for 3 weeks - I have until Wednesday (and that includes my travels on Saturday then again continent to continent on Monday). We'll be busy!!!

  • Lender · San Diego, CA · Member since 2016 · 1 post · 0 votes
    10y

    Hi Steven,

    Thank you for this insight, which is especially timely for me. I was just contacted today for my first interview. I was rather impressed with the level of professionalism with the questions and discussion. And, as you experienced, I was also told upfront about the $10k retainer. Nothing, by the way, was mentioned about a monthly fee, which you said nothing about either. Any more input for me before I decide to "join"?

    Thanks,

    Elliot

  • Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 100 posts · 23 votes
    10y

    @Account Closed 

    Hi Kenneth, 

    Thanks for sharing your experience w/ Peter Haris' coaching program. 

    I'm scheduled for a second interview tomorrow and have been on the fence about investing the $10k to start. 

    After doing a bit of research, it also looks like there is a monthly fee to use Peter's proprietary material. 

    I wanted to ask for an update on how the program has ultimately gone for you, how many properties you've been able to close on and how effective you believe the program is. 

    Thanks, 

    -DC

  • Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2016 · 100 posts · 23 votes
    10y

    @Steve Mann

    Hi Steven, 

    I see that your last post about Peter Haris' program was almost a month ago. 

    I wanted to check in for a follow up to see how things have been going for you since. 

    Thanks

  • Investor · High Springs, FL · Member since 2016 · 17 posts · 10 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Elliot Powers:

    Hi Steven,

    Thank you for this insight, which is especially timely for me. I was just contacted today for my first interview. I was rather impressed with the level of professionalism with the questions and discussion. And, as you experienced, I was also told upfront about the $10k retainer. Nothing, by the way, was mentioned about a monthly fee, which you said nothing about either. Any more input for me before I decide to "join"?

    Thanks,

    Elliot

     hi Elliott,

    I'm glad there was something useful for you in my post. I would think they would be professional - this organization stands to make a lot of money from you if you're successful. I joined my latest group call the other day and there were about 6 or 7 parties on the line. At $250k/pop, that's $1.5M just from the initial agreement plus the monthly fee to use the software plus whatever else there is.

    I also discovered yesterday that there is a low # limit to the private coaching sessions with your coach. I did not know about this. Is it in the contract? Maybe. I haven't yet looked nor do I remember reading it. Certainly no one said to me that it was only 5 or 6 or so private coaching calls. Does that change anything for me? Well, so far, only in that I want it all upfront and not left to feel as if I'm misled. Was I? Well, I don't feel like misled is the appropriate term. Was private coaching discussed before I signed up? Yes. Was I told there would be weekly private coaching sessions? Yes. Was I told that it was limited to 5 or 6 (or whatever the # is)? I do not recall ever having that discussion.

    The monthly fee is to use their systems, software, group calls (by the way, hosted by free conferencing), etc. There is a lot of available material that is offered as part of the program (videos, templates, educational media, and more). There is website hosting. There is a large network of contacts and guidance for those contacts. There's Peter's time (I truly believe he knows his stuff). I do believe there is a lot to be gained from their system. Is it worth the ~$190/month? I don't yet know. Hosting in general is very cheap. I suspect the network is quite active. I had a dummy website and on day 2 already received a call (this was not my intent - I didn't expect the call and lost my first client before I tried to get one)!

    If you have further questions, don't hesitate to let me know.

    Steve

  • Investor · King of Prussia, PA · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 339 votes
    10y

    @Karma Senge Thanks for sharing! I'm looking into @Michael Blank coaching program. 

  • Lender · Fort Worth, TX · Member since 2014 · 70 posts · 67 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Ayodeji Kuponiyi:

    @Karma Senge Thanks for sharing! I'm looking into @Michael Blank coaching program. 

     I know @Michael Blank, and he is a great, upstanding guy. I don't know anything about his coaching, but I am sure it is night and day better than Mr. Harris's.

  • Investor · Silver Spring, MD · Member since 2016 · 61 posts · 18 votes
    10y

    I will put in my two cents here on Real Estate programs.

    I am currently doing the Charles Dobbens Multifamily investment academy and have been very pleased.  the information is concise, accurate and actionable. the main thing I like about the training is that the Charles himself is very approachable and available for questions or concerns.

    Will update as things go along

  • Investor · Statesville, NC · Member since 2015 · 113 posts · 58 votes
    10y
    Thank you for the Post. You saved me time! I found the same scenario with Jeff Cantwell Program 40k Flips. The phrase is still true to this day...."Caveat Emptor". Let the Buyer Beware!!!!!
  • Niceville, FL · Member since 2016 · 6 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    @Account Closed  

    Hey Kenneth,

    I am considering seriously considering the program and want to get your feedback on how it is going. Would you recommend?

    Thank you

    Rick

  • Niceville, FL · Member since 2016 · 6 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    @Account Closed

    Hey Kenneth,

    I am considering seriously considering the program and want to get your feedback on how it is going. Would you recommend?

    Thank you

    Rick

  • Investor · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2016 · 25 posts · 8 votes
    10y

    I just signed up for the program. I will hopefully be receiving a call in the next few days.  Seems like there are mixed reviews about Paul Harris' program. 

    It is difficult to put up $10K, but I do understand having skin in the game is important.

  • Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2015 · 42 posts · 23 votes
    10y

    Interesting the Negatives and Positives...

    Seem such a thin line, I assume it depends on how you take it or how you manage everything. I also awaiting the call to receive information and see how it goes. Still reading lots of material and building much network to start investing by this year fall.

    Hope all goes well with everyone!

  • Investor · Snellville, GA · Member since 2016 · 17 posts · 1 vote
    9y

    Thanks for the post. I thought about contacting them also . Now I Won't knowing that they are just like every other Vulture out there!!

  • Investor · Bedford, NY · Member since 2015 · 33 posts · 13 votes
    9y

    @Account Closed  Do they match your down payment 50/50 on a purchase?

  • Investor · Lombard, IL · Member since 2015 · 11 posts · 11 votes
    9y

    CAUTION if thinking about buying into Peter Harris' "education/mentor" program. I bought into it and I regretted it. It's a bunch of conference calls with other "students". No real format. No curriculum. You get a big binder, but nothing is ever reviewed or taught. Some calls you have to wait 2 hours before you can ask you question while others asking questions unrelated to your focus. Peter uses high pressure salespeople to sell his program. Additionally, when I cancelled, Peter could care less. He got me for $10K plus a few monthly for his "proprietary software" program.

  • Irving, TX · Member since 2017 · 1 post · 9 votes
    9y

    BEWARE!!!!  STAY AWAY from PETER HARRIS!!!!  IT IS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE!!!

    I gave $10K to Peter Harris and lost every dime of it.  Unlike a formal educational program, there was ZERO structure and ZERO standards.  When you go to an actual accredited program for some form of education there are standards and oversight that ensure that you in-fact learn knowledge based information in a specified area.  

    Looking back, I know that I was scammed.

    The Process Goes something like the following:

    - You email expressing interest to enter the glorious world of commercial real estate.

    - Some guy calls (Peter Harris Sales Rep) to assess weather you are naive enough to pay 10K with ZERO information to support the educational claims.

    - I asked for references.  No references could be provided.

    - I asked to speak to Peter North.  And was told NO that would not be possible.  I could only speak to Peter Harris; if I gave $10K and joined the program.

    - I tried to call around to get references and could not find any; That should have been a red flag.

    - The second call you get is from a guy working out the payment.  The Money.

    - You are asked to sign a contract to give Mr. Harris a large slice of any investment property you purchase.  Which really does not matter, because he has already scammed you out of thousands of dollars.

    - Once the money is pay...$10K plus $197.00 per month (software fee). You get to join a weekly conference call with all of the other students.

    - The calls have ZERO format.  There is no educational standard or clear direction.  For $10K, your conference call is with ALL of the other students to talk about what they did for the week.

    - At some point, Peter Harris's company sends / mails you a binder on commercial real estate.

    - As a technology leader that oversee building complex corporate applications and solutions, The software it self is a scam.  As a student, you are asked to find commercial property on public website which cost a fee and then enter the findings in Peter Harris's software.  Looking back, Peter's software cost 2 times the cost of the best commercial real estate software with far less functionality!!!!

    WARNING...The entire program is a scam!!!!!!!

    - You pay $10K plus for a weekly conference call with no agenda and format.

    - You pay $197.00 per month for Peter's application.

    - You pay at least $70 per month for an application to search for properties to enter into Peter's application.

    - NO CONSULTATION OR EDUCATION OUTSIDE OF A CONFERENCE CALL.

    STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Commercial Real Estate Investor · Pinole, CA · Member since 2014 · 51 posts · 12 votes
    9y

    I have worked with peter extensively, He is the real deal and a man of his word. If you do the work, you will get results...I found him to be very trustworthy and honest. I recommend him highly. Not every partnership is a good fit. If someone doesn't gel with a particular coach or mentor, doesn't mean the person doesn't have value....it just means it wasn't a good fit. Keep plugging away and you will find your success....Your success is based on the work YOU put in.... Again...from my perspective...thumbs up for Peter!

  • Involved In Real Estate · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2014 · 9 posts · 26 votes
    9y

    To clarify, Cory, you entered the Protégé program at its complete infancy; when the technology systems, tools and trainings were not even comparable to what they are today. I would be happy to bring you back into the fold and get you going again now that it’s a whole different universe. As for my mentoring back then, it was as good then as it is today. If my memory serves me correctly, you joined in October and had already quit by early February. I don’t recall why you left because its been a while but we have a very open-door policy and are happy to bring you back in. My Proteges are doing extremely well right now and I would be honored to get you there too. 

  • Involved In Real Estate · San Francisco, CA · Member since 2014 · 9 posts · 26 votes
    9y

    @David Segatti

    I was really shocked when a prospective new Protégé pointed out your post to me. After all the work my team and I did for you Dave, from accommodating some of the things going on in your life and allowing you to put the program on hold while you overcame those matters to starting you up again and doing so in a very labor intensive way of hand picking off-market leads for you to give you the best possible chance at success. That took months to execute. We got a few deals in motion and I walked with you step by step through lining up financing. Helped you put together a creatively-financed deal as well. They didn’t close because of the sellers, completely out of both of our control but that happens in real estate and a great foundation was laid. I also spent significant time with you one-one to make sure you stayed on track with your goals and answered every question you ever asked me. Then, one day, out of the blue, you told me you were quitting. I almost felt betrayed after all we had been through together. I was still in shock when we talked and perhaps I didn't try hard enough to keep you from quitting but you seemed to have already made that decision before that final call. I wish you would have done me the courtesy of reaching out to me before posting this, so you and I wouldn't have to have a public discussion on such a private matter. But since you did, I had no choice but to respond.

    I care deeply about you and want you to be successful. I would be happy to bring you back in the fold and pick up where we left off. I am passionate about my Proteges becoming millionaires and for those that don't give up, that's their future. I wish you nothing but the best Dave regardless of what you choose to do and as you know, I am just a phone call away.

    Peter

  • Specialist · Northern, CA · Member since 2017 · 182 posts · 34 votes
    9y

    @Karma Senge

    I concur, and this is the main ISSUE with the mentoring / coaching paradox... Perhaps 95% of those who need RESULTS don't have an extra $5k.- $50k. to 'invest' into "mentorship," up front! And one must ask themselves WHY anyone 'advertising' to teach others, won't agree to "share the risk" by meeting someone 'half way' for say a minimal down payment, then "doing the work" necessary, or they LOOSE their' deposit?!' (Risk- incentive- reward...) That is, perhaps $500.00 down, then APPLY what you've learned, and GET A DEAL DONE, before receiving more 'coaching,' on say a 60/40% 'deal split?'

    I can now see why a potential mentor wouldn't consider a straight 'deal splitting' arrangement out of the gate, with the HIGH attrition rate (and time and effort commitment, up front...) but this almost universal "pay to play" model only works with people who have the "investment" funds... which ISN'T the VAST majority of those who are likely to DO THE WORK. (i.e. Those who are HUNGRY for that knowledge, and reward... from a NEED as well as want and desire, perspective, based on CIRCUMSTANCE... vs. someone who isn't literally, HUNGRY for it... and THEREFORE, prepared to TAKE ACTION!)

    And this ISN'T a 'pitch,' nor a 'rationalization,' but if someone other than these 'gurus' did meet people on a level playing field... I (and many others) would have paid them say $500.- $1k. down... before investing in several $100.- $300.00 'guru' courses, only to end up with 'analysis paralysis,' based upon CIRCUMSTANCE leading to an incomplete 'action plan,' more so, than HABIT... That is, a FACT! I am currently 'filling- in the blanks' from a dozen gurus and online mentors 'freebies' and the $1000.00 invested thus far (over six months) in 'courses,' etc. Had I been offered a DEAL SPLIT up front, where would i be today? And how much would my mentor have been, AHEAD?? (i.e. $10K.? $25K.?? $100K.???)

  • Specialist · Northern, CA · Member since 2017 · 182 posts · 34 votes
    9y

    You would THINK that one could 'edit' an 'update,' or a post for longer than 15 minutes of infamy? I meant to say (before hitting 'enter' and not being able to update, the update... WTH, BP?!) that if I go to a 'guru' and 'add value' I should be COMPENSATED either with money? Or with THEIR TIME?? (And it should also therefore be based upon the 'added value' CONTRIBUTION... in proportion to at least, their increased BOTTOM LINE. But that of course is definitely NOT how this grossly LOPSIDED 'system' of 'crony- ism' operates, now is it? So what VALUE can be 'added,' within REI? DOZENS of things, from my limited vantage point. And I'm merely ONE, 'idea person...') So I in turn ultimately don't SHARE... when (by all rights) I should be PAID as the CONSULTANT. This 'model' needs to CHANGE, people. The bankers are still WINNING... in case you aren't paying ATTENTION?! :-)

  • Specialist · Northern, CA · Member since 2017 · 182 posts · 34 votes
    9y

    @Brian Gibbons

    Thanks for linking this, Brian:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/04/16/finding-mentor-real-estate/ . I'm reviewing your excellent seller and buyer presentation, etc. videos on YouTube for LO deals, and rewriting some (hybridized) 'scripts,' as I can't locate any that are to my liking, and persona. (I'm not one to utilize 'wrote scripts,' and sounding 'mechanical...' and most of the LO, etc. scripts I've found on the cheap, frankly aren't very impressive.) Hopefully I'll soon be in a position to invest in a mentor, again. Thank you kindly for all you share, sir! LOTS of very useful information. :-)

  • Atlanta, GA · Member since 2017 · 1 post · 0 votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Michael Upshur:

    I will put in my two cents here on Real Estate programs.

    I am currently doing the Charles Dobbens Multifamily investment academy and have been very pleased.  the information is concise, accurate and actionable. the main thing I like about the training is that the Charles himself is very approachable and available for questions or concerns.

    Will update as things go along

    Hi Michael,

    How did your venture turn out with Charles Dobbens?

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