Lifestyles Unlimited by Del Walmsley

Rental Property Investor · Baytown, TX · Member since 2008 · 94 posts · 21 votes

Is anyone here a member of Lifestyles Unlimited or does anyone have any experience with them. They are a mentoring program that helps you get started in REI based out of Houston. From what I can tell so far they seem to be legit. I attended a "Case study" last night but was unable to stay long but I am attending a workshop in early January and I will let you know how that goes.
Thanks

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Don KonipolBusiness Member

Investor · The Woodlands TX / Avon, CT · Member since 2009 · 6k+ posts · 10k+ votes

16y

Although I was never a member of Lifestyles, a few years ago I taught some classes for them as a guest lecturer and attended some others. I also got to know some of the members as well as Del and others working for him. I do not think Lifestyles is in the same category as many of the other guru and mentoring programs, in that Lifestyles provides a hands on approach with very specific guidance and an emphasis on the actual purchase of residential properties. Their emphasis seems to be on realistic approaches to real estate investing, unlike many of the easy money (and useless) methods taught by the "gurus".
On the down side I have found that Lifestyles "over promises". Hence they are able to lead an inexperienced real estate investor to believe that obtaining "the lifestyle" i.e. passive cash flow is much easier than it really is. A number of the members I am personally aquainted with have purchased a large number of multi family units, however, for the most part these have been management intensive apartment projects that do not lend themselves well to absentee ownership. I know quite a few ex members who said that they were able to obtain positive cash flow from their investments, but that the passive part was a myth, that they were spending lots of time putting out fires at their properties. The truth of the matter is that Lifestyles bread and butter are C and D apartments, in these absentee management usually means profits are absent also. Further, Lifestyles tag line is that they can teach anyone enough so that anyone can be successful as an investor in real estate. My experience in the business (30 + years), has shown me that this is absolutely incorrect. Just like not everyone can be a successful surgeon, airline pilot, or major league baseball player, not everyone can be a successful investor. Better to find out if you have the capacity for success in real estate before you invest your money, find out if any of the ingedients you might be missing are obtainable and then figure out if they can cost effectively be obtained.
Jody, Lifestyles may very well work for you in your ambition for real estate investment success. Lifestyles is certainly a much better choice than most of the other so called guru or mentorship programs. However, I think you are currently suffering from myopic vision, seeing only the positive and not the negative. I'm afraid the tone of your posts are similiar to those of new multi level (network) marketing recruits, i.e. Amway, or whatever their name is this month. It sounds like an almost religious feverence, Del is a deity whose only purpose is to help people, the mentors at lifestyle do it to give back, not the money, etc. The truth is Lifestyles is a business like any other business, despite what they may claim or it's membership wants to believe, they perform their service for the same reason we all work , THE MONEY.

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Chris OToole
Real Estate Investor · Bayou Vista, TX · Member since 2008 · 58 posts · 8 votes
17y
Originally posted by Jesus Garcia:
Is anyone here a member of Lifestyles Unlimited or does anyone have any experience with them. They are a mentoring program that helps you get started in REI based out of Houston. From what I can tell so far they seem to be legit. I attended a "Case study" last night but was unable to stay long but I am attending a workshop in early January and I will let you know how that goes.
Thanks

They have a good list of contractors, but that is avalable on the internet without paying. They are not really expencive from what they say on the internet.... Look up "Blue Collar Investment Club" they meet at Denny's once a month and is free (I think the club asks for $25 to cover costs) and is really helpful. Good Luck.
Chris

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JACK GLASS
Real Estate Investor · HOUSTON, TX · Member since 2008 · 1 post · 0 votes
17y
Jesus,
Lifestyle Unlimited is the real deal I am a member there.If you take the 2 day class,you will be amazed.Your brain will fry with all the info thrown at you.But it is true learning expierence.Dale teaches the class and he is very entertaining.All I can say is JUST DO IT.
Jack in Houston.
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Jesus Garcia
OP
Rental Property Investor · Baytown, TX · Member since 2008 · 94 posts · 21 votes
17y
Jack did you have any experience before joining and have they guided you through purchasing any properties? Any info would be appreciated. I did hear from another newbie there that the price for the membership was $500 initially and yearly. Not sure if that is true.
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Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
17y
Are you putting what you learned from this 2 day class to use, Jack? How much was it? I just visited the website and it looks like some kind of mentoring program. Seems like a free introductory seminar with an up-sell for more materials and courses?

What do these guys do besides mentor?
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Charles S.
Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2008 · 27 posts · 5 votes
17y
I also would like to know more from someone who belongs.

I went to the intro seminar last night. Very professional and very nicely presented. No hard selling at all.

There is a 2-day class (like has been said) that is $500. It is given once a month on the second weekend of the month and you can attend as many times as you want.

There is a $240 annual membership fee. The membership includes your spouse and any children in your home under the age of 19 (18 and below).

They also have 30 guest speakers per year. These are industry professionals that come in to teach their part of the real estate business.

There are two other classes offered each month, property locating and property evaluation. My understanding is these are included in the membership.

They also do a monthly case study session where members tell about their successes.

They offer mentoring, advice, education, contacts, and community.

Is this worth it?
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Jon Holdman
Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
17y
This sounds a lot like a REIA. Bet you those 30 guest speakers will all have something to sell you.
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Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
17y
I want to point out to the others reading this thread that the user Jack above has not replied to inquiries about his experience with this company. Additionally, he has no other contributing posts to this site. Typically, when members have one post that is an endorsement of some company, they turn out to be a shill for that company. I do not know that this is the case here, but I ask that all readers heed caution when listening to endorsements from members with 1 post.
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Jesus Garcia
OP
Rental Property Investor · Baytown, TX · Member since 2008 · 94 posts · 21 votes
17y
Good point Joshua, but i am going ot give Charles the benefit of the doubt because that doesn't sound like a Lifestyles tactic even though I have only been to one of their case studies. They just didn't push anything at the one meeting I wnt to. I am going to their free introductory workshop this Saturday and I know then they will upsell the paid membership and 2 day workshop Charles talks about. I will come back and let evryone know how that goes.
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Jesus Garcia
OP
Rental Property Investor · Baytown, TX · Member since 2008 · 94 posts · 21 votes
17y
I just found a blog with readers comments on Lifestyles Unlimited:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/297530/Lifestyles-Unlimited
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Charles S.
Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2008 · 27 posts · 5 votes
17y
Did anyone go to the event last night? Any thoughts? I don't know that I like the sound of a three tiered membership program costing upwards of $10k.
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R V
Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 3 votes
17y
hi all.....my first post.

i live in houston and joined L.U. in september of '08.

novice

what questions did folks have?

i'll answer to the best of my abilities and what i've seen thus far.
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Michael Rossi
Real Estate Investor · OH · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
17y

...and there it is!

Mike
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R V
Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 3 votes
17y
Originally posted by MikeOH:

...and there it is!

Mike

what hasn't been mentioned is being a member in one of those "tiers" are rebate programs where the member actually is given money back when he/she purchases a home. a percentage of the commission is shared.

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Michael Rossi
Real Estate Investor · OH · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
17y

Yeah, that's a common ploy being used by the "gurus". They know that 95% of their "students" will never do a deal, so they promise to give part of the exorbitant fees back if the student does a deal. LOL!

Mike
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Timothy W.
Attorney · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2008 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
17y
Originally posted by R V :
what hasn't been mentioned is being a member in one of those "tiers" are rebate programs where the member actually is given money back when he/she purchases a home. a percentage of the commission is shared.

Lol... "rebate" programs.... Let me guess....the program provides the leads for the homes they are to buy and the rebate is subject to a limit on the commission sharing? What is this, "Nouveau Nouveau Riche"?
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James Hiddle
Altus, OK · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 690 votes
17y
Originally posted by Jesus Garcia:
I just found a blog with readers comments on Lifestyles Unlimited:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/297530/Lifestyles-Unlimited

I read those posts sounds like most are comparing it to a Ponzi scheme which I would have no part of.
Sounds like those upsell seminars which offer a free seminar to upsell a membership seminar to upsell a more expensive seminar no thanks DO NOT WANT.
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R V
Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 3 votes
17y
wow...!!

why the sudden negativity?

just joined and already feel a bad vide about all the comments.
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James Hiddle
Altus, OK · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 690 votes
17y
Originally posted by R V :

if you'd kindly read my very first post instead of lobbing preconceived thoughts you'd have your answer; of great one of 803 posts.

Sounds like your promoting to me so how much kickback you getting?
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Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
17y
RV -
1 - You said that you work with the company. Please tell us what kind of success you've seen as a result.
2 - The negativity you're seeing stems from the fact that many of the members of the site are sophisticated investors who don't like companies that they feel take advantage of investors by parting them with their money. It seems like a week doesn't pass where people come here to promote some exorbitantly expensive investor school, course, "university," etc.
3 - Please update your profile so you're in compliance with our site TOS. We require members use their real names on our professional networking site.

Thanks, Josh
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James Hiddle
Altus, OK · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 690 votes
17y
Originally posted by Joshua Dorkin:
RV -
1 - You said that you work with the company. Please tell us what kind of success you've seen as a result.
2 - The negativity you're seeing stems from the fact that many of the members of the site are sophisticated investors who don't like companies that they feel take advantage of investors by parting them with their money. It seems like a week doesn't pass where people come here to promote some exorbitantly expensive investor school, course, "university," etc.
3 - Please update your profile so you're in compliance with our site TOS. We require members use their real names on our professional networking site.

Thanks, Josh

Ditto on what Josh said tell us what kind of deals you've done using this program.
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R V
Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 3 votes
17y
for those in the back section...again, i'm a N O V I C E. i typed that slowly for emphasis.

also, i'm ill-equipped technically and i did not fill out hardly anything in my profile. it's a good thing i didn't since i probably won't spend too much time here.

i came in peace. even offered to answer questions pertaining to LU since i can give you a bird's-eye view.

1) i do NOT work for the company. got it?

i work in the oil and gas industry. i'm a talk radio junkie. i've been in Houston for all of a year and that's how i found LU; through one of their talk radio shows.

i "joined" LU in september of '08.
successes? zero. the first few months was just me attending classes offered and case studies. keep in mind, i joined as the economic situation was heading in a downward spiral....and FAST. so the topic of the day was how to navigate from here with the loan process. that pretty much dominated the subject for any class.

and i will say there's quite a bit of info shared for those willing to listen.

2) savvy and sophisticated i am not. i only decided to sign on with BP since folks had questions. and who better than a beginner to see what's going on? perhaps ya'll can even help me pass on questions to LU people.

the first few months i spent dodging hurricanes and watching college football, so i didn't spend much time at LU. only until January did i get serious. what i can tell you is this:
the Houston RE market is incredibly competitive. i have written NINE contracts and i was "outbid" on each one. all are/were foreclosures. as of today, i do have an option on a house that the "numbers" tell me it's a good deal. i have plans to occupy this one for now since i'm renting an apt.

i'm definitely not here to promote. dare i say i don't want to misrepresent the model LU uses either. all i can tell you is what i see.

as with anything else, no one is forcing me to "join". if i see where LU can help me, it's my prerogative to spend either a dollar or twenty seven thousand thirty six and sixty three cents.

i dunno....maybe you guys are just way too sophisticated for me. and who woulda thunk i'd admit THAT about a guy from altus-byGod-oklahoma.
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Joshua D.Pro Member
BiggerPockets Founder · HI · Member since 2008 · 16k+ posts · 5k+ votes
17y
The place to update your profile to enter your real name is:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/profile/basics

To get there, just go to the DASHBOARD and you'll see a link on the left of the page.
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James Hiddle
Altus, OK · Member since 2008 · 2k+ posts · 690 votes
17y
And what does my location have anything to do with it.

And judging from your post you have done no deals from this program hmmm doesn't surprise me one bit. If the so called education from this program is so sound how come you haven't made on dime from it and don't use the excuse that Houston is competitive so what you should have sound advice from these people but yet you haven't gotten anywhere.

I've seen it all. These smokescreen bootcamp/education/seminars are a dime and dozen these days. Russ Whitney,Rich Dad,NR,Russ Dulbey,John Beck they all have the same model,sucker people to free info than sucker them to slighter expensive info to sucker them into forking over even more.

Now if I had actual proof that people have made a lot of money off of this and actually got more than their investment worth and I'm not talking about testimonies I'm talking actual numbers,HUD 1's,papers,copied checks,etc than yeah the $10K would probably be worth it but you haven't provided that nor have those over at active rain provided that.

Del Walmsley sounds like he's the next Bernard Madoff when his house of cards come tumbling down and we see him on CNN than maybe people will start getting a reality check and not blindly trust someone without due diligence.
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Nick J.
Residential Real Estate Broker · Payson, AZ · Member since 2009 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
17y
this thread sucks already.

RV is putting subtle insults in his thread

some other guy wants info, but it seems like he's using the same ploy we've all seen before we where they bring up the topic only to later start attempting to sell it................

I've got better things to do like close more deals than to having to read this....................I'm off like a prom dress and taking a nap

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R V
Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2009 · 27 posts · 3 votes
17y
mr investor....
if all these smokescreen bootcamp/education seminars are dime a dozen these days, why are YOU so concerned about it? no skin off your nose. don't understand why you're getting heartburn from it.

i DO hope i make money with real estate.

wow, maybe i'll even learn to arrogantly insult folks too!! wouldn't that be a hoot??

i haven't made money to suit your desire only because i haven't been fast enough/quick enough to find a deal. i work full time as well. i'll try to do better for you sir. i'm sure we have soo many things to prove to you.

in the meantime, try decaf.
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