Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

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Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Javon Varona
Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes

Okay, so I've been going through this forum for a few days now. Some of the most important information I have gotten was from Mr. Joe McCall. Just genius information that has assisted me with the information I have been studying. Thank you Mr. McCall.

At this point I am pretty much ready to hit the ground running and build a buyers list. I've watched a lot of videos, have a out of state mentor, and have read some things, but I am still having trouble with the concept of finding buyers.

With this said today I was scrolling through FB looking for a buyers group, but couldn't find anything when I stumbled upon a retargeting marketing ad by "Than Merrill" for a 2hr seminar about a mile away from my home. I had never heard of Than Merrill so I googled him, and saw that he had been successful in "Fix and Flipping" properties. I then entertained the thought of maybe I should request more information, so I did. I called a 1-800 number and was greeted by a young lady who asked where I had wanted to go for my free seminar. I immediately stopped her and asked if this was a seminar where buyers would show up, or would it be a bunch of people who are interested in making a so called "Quick buck" (which we all know that this is not a quick buck industry)? The young lady replied with there will be all sorts of people there. To me that does not say much. No disrespect I am someone who feels that I can never learn enough so I am willing to go and learn some new things, but at the same time, I don't want to waste time for 2 cents of information and 118 minutes of time for that 2 cents if there will be no buyers in whom I can network with.

On the flip side there is a REIA meeting tomorrow night that is held once a month. So the question is this. Has anyone attended a Than Merrill seminar in the past 9-12 months in the New Orleans/Greater New Orleans area? If so were there buyers there? If not in the state of LA than any other state.

At the end of the day I am trying to network and meet buyers, should I do this at the Than Merrill Seminar or the REIA meeting tomorrow night?

Thank you all and your responses are much appreciated.

Best,

Javon

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Steve L.
Real Estate Investor · Loveland, OH · Member since 2015 · 5 posts · 3 votes
10y

In my mind this is an easy choice. Go to the REIA meeting. You will meet real people who are really investing. You will have opportunities to network with people as well as learn the ins and outs of investing.

Easy choice for me!

Steve

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  • Steve L.
    Real Estate Investor · Loveland, OH · Member since 2015 · 5 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    In my mind this is an easy choice. Go to the REIA meeting. You will meet real people who are really investing. You will have opportunities to network with people as well as learn the ins and outs of investing.

    Easy choice for me!

    Steve

    2Reply
  • Todd Plambeck
    Agent/Investor · Murphy, TX · Member since 2013 · 542 posts · 304 votes
    10y

    Go to the REIA meeting. Than Merrill's company Fortune Builders hold these seminars all the time. The two hour meeting is only there to get you to attend their 3 day seminar for a couple hundred bucks so they came pitch you their $40,000 coaching program. Going to the local REIA meeting you are going to meet some local investors that can answer your questions based on the local market.

    2Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    Steve,

    Thanks for the reply. I am assuming the REIA would be a better choice. I just want to be in the presence of buyers/investors. Thanks again Steve.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Todd Plambeck:

    Go to the REIA meeting. Than Merrill's company Fortune Builders hold these seminars all the time. The two hour meeting is only there to get you to attend their 3 day seminar for a couple hundred bucks so they came pitch you their $40,000 coaching program. Going to the local REIA meeting you are going to meet some local investors that can answer your questions based on the local market.

     Todd, 

    Key point! The seminars are "All the time". This REIA meeting is once a month and I am very eager to get started. Thank you for opening my eyes, I appreciate you Sir.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Vanessa Ladson
    Oakland, CA · Member since 2014 · 15 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    Just my opinion, but if you go to a Than Merrill seminar, they will want you to buy stuff. It all sounds good, but in order to get more information, you will have to spend if not hundreds, thousands of dollars. Google him and see what others have to say about him. I've been to too many of these things, even the webinars on the computer -- they do all this talking and by now i'm like "okay, how much is THIS one going to cost?"

    I am a little tired and maybe bitter about these "seminars. The very last one I attended, they almost got me -- but I did my due diligence and saved a whole ton of money -- I am ready to retire and I would not have been able to retire if I would have spent my money.  The company is scamming folks left and right  -- all under one big umbrella.

    I haven't attended a local meeting yet, but I would suggest going to one instead of sitting around with about 100+ people and how the "gurus" making you feel that you need their program.  I personally, am over it! 

    I said I wasn't going to respond, because I am still trying to get my feet wet as an investor and have no experience - I am just basing my comments on what I have been through.

    You sound like you are really getting it together -- congratulations and good luck! 

    0Reply
  • Josh Willis
    Tucson, AZ · Member since 2015 · 8 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    I agree with all of the replies here. I cannot speak for Lousiana but in Arizona we have an outstanding REI association that will provide more real opportunities to learn at such a reasonable cost compared to Than Merrill's stuff. This is a people business and a good REI Assoc will be the genuine avenue for creating lifelong partnerships and friendships. Than Merrill has systematized the business and taken the value of that and literally marked up the cost 2500%! His workshops are kind of sad when you survey the mix in the audience all hoping for a home run miracle to provide the answers to their dreams. If you like Than look for his material on EBay and do your first "wholesale" deal by purchasing it for 20 cents on the dollar! Best of luck. Bigger Pockets and your REI group is the winning combo in my opinion.

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Vanessa Ladson:

    Just my opinion, but if you go to a Than Merrill seminar, they will want you to buy stuff. It all sounds good, but in order to get more information, you will have to spend if not hundreds, thousands of dollars. Google him and see what others have to say about him. I've been to too many of these things, even the webinars on the computer -- they do all this talking and by now i'm like "okay, how much is THIS one going to cost?"

    I am a little tired and maybe bitter about these "seminars. The very last one I attended, they almost got me -- but I did my due diligence and saved a whole ton of money -- I am ready to retire and I would not have been able to retire if I would have spent my money.  The company is scamming folks left and right  -- all under one big umbrella.

    I haven't attended a local meeting yet, but I would suggest going to one instead of sitting around with about 100+ people and how the "gurus" making you feel that you need their program.  I personally, am over it! 

    I said I wasn't going to respond, because I am still trying to get my feet wet as an investor and have no experience - I am just basing my comments on what I have been through.

    You sound like you are really getting it together -- congratulations and good luck! 

     Vanessa,

    Thank you for your input. My mentor has told  me to stay away from the Guru's , but after doing initial research on this guy, it seemed as if he could possibly draw a mixed crowd due to the fact that he is successful. I'll be honest my Mother said I should go, lol. 

    I agree with what everyone is saying thus far though. I think I should just attend the REIA meeting vs the seminar. I am sorry to hear that you've had a bad share of seminars(Are there any good one's- ha ha). I think I'd be over it as well. However, I think moving forward is still the main focus and the fact that you're on here is a good start. I just signed up about an hour ago after reading different wholesale information on here for a week at the rate of about 4 hours out of my day. I can already see that I am going to bump it up to a plus/pro plan in my situation as I am extremely motivated to succeed in this industry.

    Kinda corny but how about a newbie friendship? :) - Regardless of where you are your network is your net worth. (I am actually originally from Los Angeles) Thanks for your input.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Josh Willis:

    I agree with all of the replies here. I cannot speak for Lousiana but in Arizona we have an outstanding REI association that will provide more real opportunities to learn at such a reasonable cost compared to Than Merrill's stuff. This is a people business and a good REI Assoc will be the genuine avenue for creating lifelong partnerships and friendships. Than Merrill has systematized the business and taken the value of that and literally marked up the cost 2500%! His workshops are kind of sad when you survey the mix in the audience all hoping for a home run miracle to provide the answers to their dreams. If you like Than look for his material on EBay and do your first "wholesale" deal by purchasing it for 20 cents on the dollar! Best of luck. Bigger Pockets and your REI group is the winning combo in my opinion.

     Josh,

    Thanks for your input! The more I sit here and read responses I can find a million or maybe even two million reasons why not to go to Than's seminar. Being able to work with people in my community is key, be it insurance agent, investor, buyer, etc.. We can consider this thread closed. :) I appreciate your input.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    Leave your checkbook and credit cards home - - and go to BOTH!

    You can evaluate the value of information provided, the 'use my plan and get rich" vs the power of networking - - even here at BP.

    Remember simple truths: "if it sounds to good to be true - - it is (aka not true)".

    Members here don't get a dime to read and respond,  these guru's promise to tell you for a price - - and never do.

    Sorry to be caustic with this BUT

    •  "Anyone giving a guru 35k for information or tutelage is a fool". 

    With the Internet today, anyone can get good, valid, usable information for free.

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Jeff B.:

    Leave your checkbook and credit cards home - - and go to BOTH!

    You can evaluate the value of information provided, the 'use my plan and get rich" vs the power of networking - - even here at BP.

    Remember simple truths: "if it sounds to good to be true - - it is (aka not true)".

    Members here don't get a dime to read and respond,  these guru's promise to tell you for a price - - and never do.

    Sorry to be caustic with this BUT

    •  "Anyone giving a guru 35k for information or tutelage is a fool". 

    With the Internet today, anyone can get good, valid, usable information for free.

     J,

    I would do both, but that's kinda of an issue. I can't drive (Not mobile right now) so I have to sacrifice one for thee other. If I could do both trust me I would, but our public transportation system here is not like California's unfortunately, and I will have a ride to the REIA meeting. I'd have to spend the night at my folks because its in their city, but hey my dad's man cave is nice, I am sure dinner will be cooked, I get out of my apartment, and most important you do what you have to do to succeed in a logical manner, right? he he.

    So, I do agree with you on doing both for anyone else who may have the same question, but unfortunately I am in no position to do both.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Cornelius CharlesPro Member
    Investor · Oxnard, CA · Member since 2014 · 438 posts · 187 votes
    10y

    @Javon Varona

    I am a Fortune Builders (FB) student. In my mind, the REIA and FB seminar do not have the same purposes. If the FB seminar is the same format as the one I attended two years ago, basically they will give you very high level information on their fix and flip model and then invite you to attend their weekend seminar for a few hundred bucks. If you are looking to network with "real" buyers, I do not think the seminar is going to do that for you. If that is indeed your objective, I would say the REIA would be the better bet. However, if the REIAs in your area are anything like the ones in my county, they will mainly be comprised of new investors who have not done any deals. Not saying that's necessiraly a bad thing, but I would tell anyone in my area not to go to a REIA expecting to find experienced buyers.

    0Reply
  • Kandice Ayo
    Public Schools · Lafayette, LA · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    Wow! I'm glad you started this thread. I actually went to Than's 2 hour seminar last night, and I registered for the 30 hours/3 days workshop for $197. I'm always leery about spending a lot of money for this education, but I thought it would be nice to learn from a person in person. And since it wasn't too expensive, I thought I would give it a try; but I'm happy to read everyone's response. Sorry I don't have any advice for you (we're in the same boat). I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you starting the conversation. Best of luck!!!

    Kandice

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Cornelius Charles:

    @Javon Varona

    I am a Fortune Builders (FB) student. In my mind, the REIA and FB seminar do not have the same purposes. If the FB seminar is the same format as the one I attended two years ago, basically they will give you very high level information on their fix and flip model and then invite you to attend their weekend seminar for a few hundred bucks. If you are looking to network with "real" buyers, I do not think the seminar is going to do that for you. If that is indeed your objective, I would say the REIA would be the better bet. However, if the REIAs in your area are anything like the ones in my county, they will mainly be comprised of new investors who have not done any deals. Not saying that's necessiraly a bad thing, but I would tell anyone in my area not to go to a REIA expecting to find experienced buyers.

     Cornelius,

    You actually answered the question I was asking. Thank you. I was just assuming that because Than was successful that he might inspire a investor/buyer crowd, but that is what I get for assuming. I am not sure how the REIA operates here, I did call them and leave a message yesterday and never received a call back, but I mean that could happen anywhere. Maybe I just need to do some major research on how to get buyers with little to no mobility.

    I appreciate you answering my question. Thank you so much Cornelius.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Scott W.
    Real Estate Investor · chicago, IL · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 231 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Kandice Ayo:

    Wow! I'm glad you started this thread. I actually went to Than's 2 hour seminar last night, and I registered for the 30 hours/3 days workshop for $197. I'm always leery about spending a lot of money for this education, but I thought it would be nice to learn from a person in person. And since it wasn't too expensive, I thought I would give it a try; but I'm happy to read everyone's response. Sorry I don't have any advice for you (we're in the same boat). I just wanted to let you know I appreciate you starting the conversation. Best of luck!!!

    Kandice

    BEWARE- they are going to get you to increase your credit card limits (they say so you have access to more capital) to the max amount and then have your max it out on their next seminars.

    the $200 is just an upsell to their $40k bus tours.  stay away.

    2Reply
  • Paul Timmins
    Specialist · Rockland, MA · Member since 2010 · 7k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    10y

    @Javon Varona

    Go to the REIA you will have all the cash buyers you will need.

    Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info. Here you will meet wholesalers who provide deals and rehabbers (cash buyers). You can Google to locate them and go to meetup.com Find the club website call the club official listed this way when you go they will be looking for you.

    Two Great reads, I bought both J. Scott The Book on Flipping Houses, The Book on Estimating ReHab Costs http://www.biggerpockets.com/flippingbook

    Download BP’s newest book here some good due diligence and Step by Step what happens at a REIA meeting in Chapter 10. Real Estate Rewind Starting over

    http://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/brandonatbp/file/real-estate-rewind-a-biggerpockets-community-book

    Good Luck

    Paul 

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    @Kandice Ayo I wish I would have posted this a few days earlier, I am sorry. Either way if you can afford the class, I've read from a lot of people that it's worth it, so I think you made a good choice in purchasing it. I personally was looking to be in a networking presence. - not so much the learning phase (I have those resources). I will say that I've heard for a newbie like us it can be a brain overload. So I'd advise maybe bringing a tape recorder. 

    I appreciate your post enjoy the classes and let me know how they turn out. 

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    @Paul Timmins Thank you VERY much! You gave me extremely valuable information I am extremely appreciative. Thank you so much.

    Best,

    Javon

    0Reply
  • Vanessa Ladson
    Oakland, CA · Member since 2014 · 15 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    HI Kandice,

    I don't know if I am replying properly, but after the $197, there will be another charge, "because you can't possibly learn everything they have to teach you in just a 3 -day workshop." I am still thanking God for not going any further and spending my hard earned money.  Then after that workshop is the $30K, 25K or $29K invest and they promise to teach you everything, like the gentleman said in one of these strings above, they get your to increase your cc limits and you never hear from them again. I've read stories of retired couples spending $30K for nothing -- part of their retirement money.  Just be very careful.  (again, just my opinion). 

    1Reply
  • Kandice Ayo
    Public Schools · Lafayette, LA · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    @Scott W.  There's no way I'm spending $40K to learn about anything lol!  Thanks for the warning though. I appreciate it! At least now I know what to expect. 

    0Reply
  • Kandice Ayo
    Public Schools · Lafayette, LA · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    @Vanessa Ladson I am definitely open to hear all advice and warnings! Thank you very much!!!

    0Reply
  • Kandice Ayo
    Public Schools · Lafayette, LA · Member since 2014 · 8 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    @Javon Varona  I haven't been on BP for about 2 weeks, so God must have lead me to your thread. Thanks for the advice! I will definitely record if they allow it. I'll let you know how it goes....honestly, the responses are kind of scary and making me second guess my decision. I'm grateful for everyone's responses....I hope you find what you're looking for!

    Kandice

    0Reply
  • Javon Varona
    OP
    Kenner, LA · Member since 2016 · 28 posts · 5 votes
    10y

    @Kandice Ayo I say just get what you can out of the 3 days. The way I see it knowledge is knowledge even if it is one thing you can take from the classes. I've found that the internet has a lot of good resources. I am basically going off of 3 different materials right now (one my mentor wrote, a post from Joe McCall, and another forums fast track to getting started kit.) and I am willing to share them with you for $10k - ha ha, No I am willing, but obviously anyone with $40k to invest in learning how to flip shouldn't be flipping anything because $40k could do so much more for you in marketing alone - if not co-investing in my opinion.

    0Reply
  • Vanessa Ladson
    Oakland, CA · Member since 2014 · 15 posts · 3 votes
    10y

    you are welcome -- this particular company that offered the 2 hour "dinner" workshop (cold sandwich, bag of chips, apple and soda), had everything under one umbrella, buy and hold houses, you can get your LLC under this umbrella, learn about trading stocks, all for $30K -- they will come to your state and help you find deals -- not one bit of it is true! Just beware -- and listen to the smart investors on this site. I'm a total newbie.

    0Reply
  • Vanessa Ladson
    Oakland, CA · Member since 2014 · 15 posts · 3 votes
    10y
    Originally posted by @Javon Varona:

    @Kandice Ayo I say just get what you can out of the 3 days. The way I see it knowledge is knowledge even if it is one thing you can take from the classes. I've found that the internet has a lot of good resources. I am basically going off of 3 different materials right now (one my mentor wrote, a post from Joe McCall, and another forums fast track to getting started kit.) and I am willing to share them with you for $10k - ha ha, No I am willing, but obviously anyone with $40k to invest in learning how to flip shouldn't be flipping anything because $40k could do so much more for you in marketing alone - if not co-investing in my opinion.

     Jason, the 3 days is just bait -- they show you just enough so you will HAVE to spend your money for the next stage of spending MORE money! In my case, I had t go to another city and pay for a hotel AND parking TAX for this "salesperson" to tell the group if you don't purchase at $30K it will be $60K if you call the office! 

    I think I will just buy and hold and call it a day!

    1Reply
  • Karen O.
    NYC, NY · Member since 2016 · 619 posts · 456 votes
    10y

    Javon, 

    You've gotten some great advice.  I want to add to it.

    #1 if you go to FB/TM event, leave your checkbook and credit cards at home.  

    #2 bring lunch and/or snacks and a drink.

    #3 you won't meet investors. You'll meet wannabe investors and FB/TM converts. These folks are likeable, nice people. You'll want to get on the bandwagon. And you'll hear enough to wet your appetite more. Their job when they arent making oodles in REI is to get you to join their club. That means to get you to buy in. Sort of like buying into a franchise which is an analogy they use often. They are all successfully using FB/TM models and systems and for a fee so can you.

    #4 find a few local REIAs and attend several meetings until you find one you feel comfortable in.

    #5 Read everything you can get your hands on.  Ask questions of people you meet and here on BP. Someone will answer you and it'll be free or no more expensive than a cup of coffee.

    Good luck.

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