Cash Flow Freedom University (CCFU) - Opinions
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 352 posts · 142 votes
Cash Flow Freedom University (CCFU) - Opinions
Most Popular Reply
Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes@Ben Leybovich - I never called you one and never implied it.
25 Replies
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
You are wise to ask!
Here are a couple of threads that you may find helpful:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/119927-ben-leybovich-program
http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/108325-real-estate-goals-for-the-coming-months
Good luck!
- Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 352 posts · 142 votes12y
Ben the man!
You're on point pal! Thanks for sharing the links. Looks like I also get to have access to you on speed dial in a "limited" advisory role as part of the purchase? If so, this looks better and better.
Question. Tax wise, since these are educational materials, I also get to talk to my accountant about these, yes?
Thanks again!! :-)
Francis
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
I've never not picked up the phone :)
As to taxes, sure why not. In fact, I'll take time off from syndicating, turn into a full-blown guru, and charge you a cool $50,000 so you have some real dollars to write off... This'll be a first for me, but what the hell - just for you :)
On the other hand, @Brandon Turner won't want to me my best friend any more and @Joshua D. will flat out kick me off BP - what am I going to do with myself then...?
Better stick to $295 and go make money in syndication :)
LOL hahahaha - I needed a lough today, thank you! Feel free to reach out!
- Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2014 · 352 posts · 142 votes12y
Ben,
A sense of humor while doing what you love and making a very nice living. I'm all for that. I have already read some of your stuff. I will be in touch.
Thanks so much!!
Francis
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
Feel free to reach out :)
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Originally posted by @Francis A.:
Hi,
I'm a newbie at real estate investing and to this site. Has anyone used the above materials from JUSTASKBENWHY dot com? I've bought a bunch of books recommended here on this site and I am also ploughing though the podcasts.
I'm wondering whether I need to absorb the materials I already have and see if I need to pay the 295 now or later.
Thanks in advance for opinions and thoughts!
Francis
Sorry Ben, but I see a valid question and you're basically heading off the question.
Maybe we should have a rule on BP, that when questions are asked about someone's materials that they allow others to comment and a waiting period before the author of that material jumps in and swings the conversation. @Joshua Dorkin members are attempting to do some due diligence and should be allowed to without immediate interference in a thread, IMO. Others do this as well, if the author jumps in then I'd think others will or may be intimidated in posting having to address that author. It's kind of like hearing someone mention your name in a room asking about you and then walking up to them in that group saying hello and stopping the conversation standing there.
I suspect there's a chance Ben didn't realize this aspect, so I'm not trying to be critical, I may have done the same thing without thinking.
As to your question, I suggest you get through what you've already burdened yourself with. Collecting books, programs or strategies, shelling out money isn't going to get you out there making money.
We have all kinds of discussions on BP, I know Josh advises members to do their due diligence before getting into any business relationship with anyone, including all members. We have many popular posters that give good, poor and even bad advice, a few have very good points and a few can get you in trouble. If you lack knowledge it's tough to pick out who to follow, but that's just part of the business.
Anyway, I'd say finish what's on your plate first, there is a reason you bought what you did. See if any of that works for you.
I have no idea what Ben's program might be or anything about it's value, no assessment here. I know Ben is or was a teacher so his materials should be well written and informative I would think. I'd expect it to be better than most other materials and hopefully comprehensive without omissions of key factors making the material useable in reality. :)
- Investor · Woodstown, NJ · Member since 2014 · 123 posts · 43 votes12y
@Francis A.
I have purchased and gone through 90% of the material @Ben Leybovich offers via CFFU. In my opinion what Ben offers is a great foundation of general real estate investment knowledge at a great value (price). The first part of his course covers basic concepts like cash flow, appreciation, value and how to valuate a property. While the other part of the course covers different financing techniques as well as running through the mechanics of several purchases each employing different investing techniques.
I personally had already had my first rental so I had a decent understanding of the fundamentals however where I really saw value in Ben's course was the information about creative financing and the actual mechanics of a real estate transaction. This information was a real eye opener for me. I hadn't even considered the idea of creative financing. Since reading Ben's material every property I analyze I consider creative financing as an option. I think this will be a game changer for me as a newer investor.
To sum it all up I think Ben's material is not a magic bullet to force a successful real estate career but it will offer some great foundational understanding as well as some of the more creative aspects of real estate investing.
For me it was money well spent.
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
No worries. If there is a rule that prohibits me from posting on a thread such as this, then I apologize for posting. I provided reference to other threads where I and my materials were being discussed - that's all. No upsell here, at least I don't think.
Anyhow, apologies if I did something I wasn't supposed to :)
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
My issue is really not so much with you Ben as it is with the immediate response of folks selling stuff and not giving room for people to ask questions about products or services.
Might hear from @Joshua D.
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
I see your point @Bill Gulley . I think that may be it's a valid point. Josh could consider putting breaks on vendors responding - perhaps a time-frame. Such as - I can't comment for 24 hours after the post goes up, or something like that.
To be honest Bill, if I did turn someone off to myself or intimidate someone, it's likely because of the posts I write on forums and the BP blog - not by commenting here lol :)
But, I see your point and I kinda agree! Let them say what they will. Free market baby. I for one would not be concerned to be locked out for a period of time, so long as I could eventually jump on to defend myself if need be...
Thoughts Bill?
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Glad you see my point! It's nothing about you.
I certainly agree that anyone, guru or product provider, should be able to defend themselves.
Maybe I should read the blogs and see what's going on, actually, I'm a little scared to see what goes on over there (LOL).
I think your suggestion of a 24 hour waiting period would be great. That should allow members to make comments, unencumbered by the immediate presence of the person subject of the topic. Then they could post addressing anything they like.
Wouldn't be hard to implement, if Mac the guru jumped in to early, members could report it to admin and it could be removed with a short reminder to wait and allow member free discussions.
Again, thoughts @Joshua D.
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Originally posted by @Jon Lafferty:
@Francis A.
I personally had already had my first rental so I had a decent understanding of the fundamentals however where I really saw value in Ben's course was the information about creative financing and the actual mechanics of a real estate transaction. This information was a real eye opener for me. I hadn't even considered the idea of creative financing.
Well, I was totally unaware of creative financing techniques, like I said I'm rather scared to go to the blogs, LOL, but guess I should go over there. As I recall, I heard bits of an approach and I wasn't alarmed, you all know how I get alarmed in financing matters. Be safe! :)
- Real estate investor · Las Vegas · Member since 2013 · 798 posts · 171 votes12y
I don't typically recommend the guru products and I haven't seen Ben's, but what I can say is that his blogs and podcast are some of the best in terms of the way he sees things and explains them IMO. @Ben Leybovich, I don't think you need to comment on your business at all- Im sure if the reviewer readssome of your stuff, they will have an idea what is in store. @bill Gulley, I agree with you, but I believe the disclaimer that he is the owner puts in perspective any possible bias.
- Real Estate Broker · Canton, GA · Member since 2010 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes12y
Don't trust anyone from Ohio................... : ) Especially Lima, Ohio Ben Leybovich as he is nuts !
Just kidding..lol
If you are analyzing this from a money perspective 295 bucks is nothing really. The risk is low. I don't know Ben's guarantee if he has one but he could offer a guarantee and people could return in 30 days if not satisfied etc.
Helping anyone learn to do something is a lot of work and time. For instance in commercial what I do is transacting as a broker. Many of my other commercial broker friends rarely mess with individual buyers. They want to sell to large professional buyers ( REIT's, groups, etc.) that don't have to be trained up to do a deal and do volume.
I spend time with my clients who have cash but know little to nothing about commercial real estate. Listing brokers and sellers will talk to me but a buyer they have no clue about off the street many won't even take the time.
Think about this if someone spends 10 hours with you over a course of a few months for 295 they are making 20 something bucks an hour. Not really the greatest return on time.
We have talked on the phone a few times not about this but just general real estate as friends. Even experienced investors talk on the phone to share war stories.
- 12yJoshua D.Pro MemberBiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
I don't kick gurus off for participating on BiggerPockets, @Ben Leybovich . . . the ones that have been banned got themselves kicked off for breaking the rules or for doing things here/off BP that we find to be particularly unbecoming.
As for @Bill Gulley 's idea about a time period --- I like it, but I believe that the disclaimer system does its job. Ultimately, if someone fails to disclose that they are the person/product/service in question, their post will be removed from our review threads. We believe that people can read between the lines on someone coming to defend or represent their point of view.
That said, we also believe that open discourse -- even disagreements on the value of a product/service/etc. is incredibly valuable. Once you're out there, people have a right to question, critique, applaud, or complain about you.
Those gurus and companies that squash dissenting comments by pressuring or threatening those that post said things only do themselves a disservice.
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Thanks Josh, I agree as well. I think folks can read between the lines and they can see the notice.
More of my point is to the motivation or probability of someone posting a comment if they see the immediate presence of the subject party.
It is much like a few people in a room mentioning someone's name and that person walking over joining the group. That person may introduce themselves to that group. It's much like the disclosure, "hey I'm that guy you guys mentioned" the unspoken statement then is "now what would you like to say?" It's the presence of that person that keeps some from speaking as freely as they might otherwise.
How do I know? Because I have seen a few posts where the subject party has made comments and not only have I tempered my comments but sometimes I don't comment at all. I'm certainly one of the bolder posters on BP I would think and if I feel like passing up on a post I'd think others certainly would. So, an immediate response and presence will naturally be a deterrent to others getting involved.
My thought is just to allow the group speak and have their say as they may have more to say. When much has been said then by all means the subject party should join in appropriately.
Just IMO. It's almost a matter of courtesy to the others in that group not to walk up and "confront" them, even if all (and the subject party) are by being polite. :)
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
Thank you @Pete T. ,
@Joel Owens I love you too ...:) FYI - I've always offered 100% Money back for 30 days; no questions asked...
@Joshua Dorkin I get the sense that I'm being grouped with the gurus. I am at best a mini-mini-mini-guru. But in reality, I am in real estate - gurus are not. I don't upsell - gurus do. I don't charge thousands for a multitude of products - gurus do. I offer money-back guarantee - gurus don't. I don't promise riches without incredible effort - gurus do. I tell people upfront hard this sport is - gurus do the opposite. I am the one picking up the phone when someone has a question - call me nuts!
In short, I am not a guru Joshua. You know this, and that's one of the reasons you love me. Why I love you, on the other hand, is completely beyond my capacity to rationalize - but I do...:)
For the record, I am actually with @Bill Gulley . I think that locking vendors out for 24 hours to allow uninhibited expression of members could be a good thing. Naturally, I defer to your judgment.
- 12yJoshua D.Pro MemberBiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
@Ben Leybovich - I never called you one and never implied it.
- Brooklyn, NY · Member since 2012 · 25 posts · 8 votes12y
@Francis A.
I have purchased CFFU mostly because of the lengthy podcast between Josh, Brandon and Ben. I liked Ben's perspective and found the whole conversation very educational.
As already stated, Ben gives a very good overview of basic real estate finance and why he believes it is a superior means of investment. Certainly its nothing new or info that you cant find on your own, however he puts it together in a nice audio package and explains it in a clear and simple manner. You can tell he is meticulous tries to cover every angle. He is also very forthcoming about what his opinions are and why they work for him (and might not work for you). As a newbie I read a few books and had some basic knowledge but it is always good to get different angles, especially from someone who is actually doing it. I listened to it at work so I found the audio format very useful.
The final part Ben gets into his specialty, which is creative financing. I havent gotten too deep into this because I realized this approach is probably not going to be the best for my personal situation, although it is good to learn because you will be a wiser investor if you understand the variety of options available to you.
Unfortunately, its hard to put a price on a product like this because there is not much that I know of out there that I could compare it to. That being said it was well worth it for me because it moved my understanding of the subject ahead quickly. Also the amount of time and energy Ben put into this is well beyond $300 worth. It really is well thought out and professionally done.
Hope this was helpful and I am happy to answer any questions - you can ask on this thread or message me.
Kevin
PS I did have a few follow-up questions for Ben and he was quick to answer. His passion for the subject is apparent and he seems happy to share his knowledge.
PPS There are no gimmicks or get rich quick schemes or fancy systems - its really just straight information and insight, so I wouldnt consider this a "guru" product IMO
- 12yEngelo RumoraBusiness MemberInvestor · Toledo, OH · Member since 2013 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
Originally posted by @Joel Owens:
Don't trust anyone from Ohio................... : ) Especially Lima, Ohio Ben Leybovich as he is nuts !
Just kidding..lol
If you are analyzing this from a money perspective 295 bucks is nothing really. The risk is low. I don't know Ben's guarantee if he has one but he could offer a guarantee and people could return in 30 days if not satisfied etc.
Helping anyone learn to do something is a lot of work and time. For instance in commercial what I do is transacting as a broker. Many of my other commercial broker friends rarely mess with individual buyers. They want to sell to large professional buyers ( REIT's, groups, etc.) that don't have to be trained up to do a deal and do volume.
I spend time with my clients who have cash but know little to nothing about commercial real estate. Listing brokers and sellers will talk to me but a buyer they have no clue about off the street many won't even take the time.
Think about this if someone spends 10 hours with you over a course of a few months for 295 they are making 20 something bucks an hour. Not really the greatest return on time.
We have talked on the phone a few times not about this but just general real estate as friends. Even experienced investors talk on the phone to share war stories.
Heyyyy Joel
Don't mess with the Buckeyes here in Ohio lollol
Just because our market has a stigma of declining population and higher unemployment doesn't mean we should get bullied around.
lollol Jokesss
Building trust and relationships sure does take time. I find that many people want something for nothing and non of them really know or care about what it took to get to where the like of @Ben Leybovich and others are today.
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
- Investor · Sherman Oaks, CA · Member since 2008 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes12y
@Ben Ley
@Ben Leybovich undefined
Your course is great value, and I would wager every licensed agent with a minimum of 5 years seasoning and reasonable production (say 100 transactions) would fail a simple test of its principles.
Ben I think you should raise your price to $495.
I tell any multi investor they need Ben's course to enjoy faster success.
I HAVE NO COMPENSATION DUE TO THIS COMMENT.
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Originally posted by @Brian Gibbons:
@Ben Ley
@Ben Leybovich undefined
Your course is great value, and I would wager every licensed agent with a minimum of 5 years seasoning and reasonable production (say 100 transactions) would fail a simple test of its principles.
Ben I think you should raise your price to $495.
I tell any multi investor they need Ben's course to enjoy faster success.
I HAVE NO COMPENSATION DUE TO THIS COMMENT.
Brian, have you purchased Ben's course?
LOL, are you asking for compensation? Or did you go broke saying that?
Ben, I doubt there was not much pricing analysis to the market at $495, I suggest you keep it where it is. But, I understand what Brian really means as I think he's just trying to say it's more valuable in his opinion. But, since I haven't been through it I can't say.
Bet Brian didn't think I'd be up so early! Good morning all! :)
- Investor · Sherman Oaks, CA · Member since 2008 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes12y
Originally posted by @Bill Gulley:
Originally posted by @Brian Gibbons:
@Ben Ley
@Ben Leybovich undefined
Your course is great value, and I would wager every licensed agent with a minimum of 5 years seasoning and reasonable production (say 100 transactions) would fail a simple test of its principles.
Ben I think you should raise your price to $495.
I tell any multi investor they need Ben's course to enjoy faster success.
I HAVE NO COMPENSATION DUE TO THIS COMMENT.
Brian, have you purchased Ben's course?
LOL, are you asking for compensation? Or did you go broke saying that?
Ben, I doubt there was not much pricing analysis to the market at $495, I suggest you keep it where it is. But, I understand what Brian really means as I think he's just trying to say it's more valuable in his opinion. But, since I haven't been through it I can't say.
Bet Brian didn't think I'd be up so early! Good morning all! :)
Its 258 am in Cali, btw.
- Rental Property Investor · Phoenix/Lima, Arizona/OH · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes12y
Thank you for the kind words indeed @Brian Gibbons . $295 is it :)
I know I could likely get away with charging more. But, IMO the game in life is exactly the function of under promising and over delivering. I am happy to know that folks feel that this is what I've done. I feel a lot of pride in that! It's a fair price, and it's a chunk for a lot of folks who really should use it...
Anyhow - thanks so much for the vote of confidence Brian!
@Bill Gulley Do you ever sleep?
P.S. Brian - I am about to turn my license back into the State - I've had enough of the idiocy. You are write, most couldn't pass a basic test lol
- Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes12y
Originally posted by @Ben Leybovich:
@Bill Gulley Do you ever sleep?
Ben, I can do this stuff in my sleep!
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