Guru's, Sean Terry's Flip2Freedom and the people who hate them

Guru's, Sean Terry's Flip2Freedom and the people who hate them

Allen, TX · Member since 2013 · 23 posts · 33 votes

I've been learning from Bigger Pockets for about two months now. I find it is by far the best place to come for expert information on Real Estate and it seems that there is no question I have that hasn't been answered on this website. With that being said, I'd like to address the "Guru" hatred on here and try to get some of you to see this from another point of view.

I am an autoworker employed by a major car manufacturer in Texas. I remember the day I found out I got hired. My dad (also an autoworker) was waiting for me in his driveway to tell me the news. He ran up to me excited and gave me a big hug and said "You hit the lottery!". We were so happy. $28 an hour, full benefits and a retirement package. Not bad for a 25 yr old kid from Youngstown, Oh. My uncle was in town that day to visit my mother. He was in the driveway watching this all go down. As I hugged my dad, I looked over his shoulder to see confusion on this mans face. In that moment I thought he was just being cold. You see, he's an MIT graduate, has his own consulting firm and, in my opinion at the time, a snob. Still, that picture has always been in my mind. Why did he look so confused?

Fast forward 14 years. I'm a grown man and my company is staring down bankruptcy. I may loose my job and I have no business skills. Off to college I go! The economy crashes and the reality of a middle aged man just finishing college and competing with a younger generation hits me like a brick. What do I do? I still have my job but now I realize how much I am at the mercy of this company. Without it, I am toast! I settle down and assess my situation. What skills do I have? What's my exit strategy if anything happens?

Over the past 20 years I've been fixing up every home I have ever lived in. I have really good remodeling skills. Home Depot has been my playground. So I started researching Fix and Flip investing. I realized in doing this that I had no idea the amount of business skills that you need to make an informed decision about a property in order to make a profit. So I start attending REI meetings and reading the BiggerPockets forum. Wholesaling as a way to fund your investments? I'm hooked! The only problem is, I'm all over the place. I read about wholesaling and something comes up about HUD homes. I read about HUD homes and then off I go reading about Ali Boone's adventures in Nicaragua. I need to focus on something and start taking action.

Enter Sean Terry and his Flip2Freedom podcast. Sure there's a ton of information on the podcast. Combined with BiggerPockets, how can anyone not learn everything about wholesaling? Well here is the problem. I don't have a business mind. I am surrounded everyday by people who are content in making $28 an hour and I have no idea how the business world works, what it takes to be an entrepreneur, or even have one friend who cares. For a measly $500, I have an opportunity to get a step by step education on this subject. This is cheep compared to what I'm paying for college courses. I now understand the psychology behind this business. I never expected a guaranteed deal when I signed up for this and none ever promised it. As a matter of fact, all I hear is "get off my butt and take action". There's a post in here about his "Lightning Fast 5K Formula". It gets talked about like it's a guarantee when in the first minute he say it's for anyone having trouble with analysis paralysis. It's a call to action and people are taking it out of context.

I know this is long winded but I feel as a "noob", I have a responsibility to address this while I am still in this mindset. In closing, I challenge any of you who hate "guru's" to do me one favor. Here is my email address----> [REMOVED] If you can give me HTML code for an awesome squeeze page, take me through houses and show me how to assess repair costs, let me listen in on your phone calls from potential leads, show me how to rank in Google Adwords, provide a private Facebook page where hundreds of people new and experienced push me along and answer any question I have within second for free, then email me your phone number and I will definitely call you and it will be deeply appreciated. If not, well I'll stick with my "Guru" until I get a good footing.

P.S. My marketing is in full swing and I hope to be a valuable part of this forum in the very near future. I took action. I will succeed!

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Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2008 · 55 posts · 99 votes
13y

Wow, I feel honored to be such a hot topic of conversation and thanks everyone for the kind words, I really really appreciate it.

I don't want to be a Guru, please don't put that "stereo type" on me. I'm really just an average guy that wants to share my experiences with the world. Because I suck at writing, I decided to do a podcast. I had no idea it would go viral, lol!

There are a ton of highly qualified investors that reside here in BP and if we gave them a microphone & a blog they too would make a big difference.
Like I said, I'm just an average guy with no formal education that LOVES to wholesale houses and talk about it. That's it.

The only difference between me and a newer investor is that I send 100,000+ direct mail units a month. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES... Really, lol

The faster a new investor can scale from a 500 piece mail drop to a 100,000 piece mail drop, the faster they will go from make $5K a month to $100K a month+

You don't have to be smart, good looking, college educated, rich or talented. Just scale the mailing (I'm living proof)

So Rob P, thank you for opening up this conversation because you too can be a guru....Just drop 100K mailers, LOL

God Bless everyone!

Sean

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  • Flipper/Rehabber · Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    13y

    Rob P.

    Keep swinging and listening to Sean.. He is friggin awesome... And he is NOT hype. I have yet to hear a single negative comment from anyone who he has helped. Not one... And I talk to a lot of his peeps... Another thing that makes him unique and special is his drive and ambition... OMG... I would love to have a coach, Guru or Mentor in my corner kicking my butt when I need it.

    As for BP. It has its Guru Haters and Guru Lovers. I have my viewpoints on why the site is so anti Mentor and Guru however Ive sworn an oath of silence to myself..

    Congrats on choosing Real Estate to create wealth

  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    13y

    Rob, as I read through all that I thought for sure you were going to say you had decided to become a guru! LOL

    I don't even know of your guy, if Michael says he's good, I'll buy that, with some reservations as it's not my endorsement, but he sounds like a motivator. I'm an ex-Army type, if you need a quick swift kick let me know, LOL.

    As to guru hater, I think I have given many thier due, some are great marketeers, some deliver a good story that relates to the strategies making them easily understood, most seem to spin old stuff as new, many seem to exaggerate, some decieve, a few advocate unethical conduct and even illegal things to do. There are good ones and bad ones I'm sure. I see many that IMO trying to be a guru or mentor/coach that don't come close to being qualified to give advice as they simply teach anything they have gotten away with. I doubt new folks ever consider that some guy may have done XYZ for 20 years and still doesn't have a clue that what is being taught can be unethical, in violation of regulations or laws, especially in other states.

    I certainly don't blame anyone for profiting off of what they know, so long as what they know and teach is correct. And I don't just hold others to my opinion but to regulatory compliance that is in black and white and known acceptable practices and an understanding of what happens next or the effects of what they do.

    So, Rob, while there is some business stuff in any business, RE included, it's really more about doing things legally, ethically and a good attitude toward people you work with. It's not rocket science, all you need is highschool math and english, be able to listen, read and follow instructions......and motivation. Rants over....:)

  • Bakersfield, CA · Member since 2013 · 184 posts · 19 votes
    13y

    Hey Rob P.

    I've heard many great attributes of success from Sean's Flip 2 Freedom group. Keep moving and pushing yourself to the next level. Best wishes to you!!!

  • Rental Property Investor · Spartanburg, SC · Member since 2013 · 253 posts · 56 votes
    13y

    Rob P. I actually just started reading Sean's book last night and am 3/4 of the way done. He definitely proveides great insight in an even greater detail for using RE as a catalyst to financial freedom and passive income. I can only imagine what the course is like!

  • Rental Property Investor · Mercer Island, WA · Member since 2008 · 22k+ posts · 14k+ votes
    13y

    Some years ago I took my son and one of his friends to one of their college visits. I sat in on some of the presentations with them. I found the one from the Music department interesting. It started with "You should not sign up for this major. If you do, you should expect to end up joining the military and having a career playing in a military band. That's where most of our grads end up. Not as rich and famous musicians."

    If guru's started their pitch with "This business is really tough. You will need to invest a significant amount of effort, no small amount of money, and have a bit of luck in order to actually make any money. Many of you will buy my program only to put it on a shelf at home and never do anything with it. Without a lot of hard work on your part, you will fail" I would be a lot more tolerant. Instead, many of them start with pictures of them on some tropical island, pictures of checks and promises of quick and easy wealth. Those folks are selling a dream. The reality of those pitches is that you'll end up with a course on your shelf and they will end up with your money in their pocket.

    Rob P. you actually do identify a key thing that some of the better gurus provide: a structured set of materials and information. People learn in different ways. Some can spend time reading and researching on their own and learn what they need to make progress. Some do better with a structured delivery of information. If you can take that material and invest the time and money you may well succeed and make a bunch of money. I truly hope you do.

  • Allen, TX · Member since 2013 · 23 posts · 33 votes
    13y

    Whew! I thought for sure I was going to take a beating on here.

    Michael Quarles Thanks for the encouragement. I will be contacting you as soon as this roll of stamps runs out. This Yellow Letters writing is for the birds. I thought I would "pay my dues" but my hand hurts!

    Bill Gulley As a former Marine, i give myself regular kicks in the rear so I won't be heading any help. lol I agree with you on the legal and ethical approaches to this. That's why this site is so helpful. To hear from the pro's about what they love/hate about wholesalers is valuable information. As for the other Guru's, my inbox is filled with other people's "Secret Weapons" to get leads. I get why people hate some of them, I just happen to like Sean Terry's motivational approach and it is what I needed to get from 0 to start. As for people buying his course, all I have to say is if you're not going to work your tail off, you're going to waste your money. This is not a get rich quick scheme. It's a "How to Start and Run a Business" course. I'm under no assumption that I'm going to get rich quick. But I will say that it's been 2 months since I started looking into RE and I've gone from interested to obsessed! I have all the people at BiggerPockets and Sean Terry to thank for that.

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    Sean Terry is the reason I have about $60k in wholesale fees coming my way this month.

    To be honest, its better than here for wholesaling. Most of the info here is not accurate for my market.

    I do value this forum and it's community, but for learning how to wholesale I would put my chips on Sean Terry all day long.

    *I never paid for his $500 course and he will flat out tell you that you don't need it* Just listen to the podcasts, learn your market better than anyone else and live and breathe wholesaling like your life depends on it.*

  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    13y

    Since I was summoned, make it a priority to learn the basics of RE, not just guru stuff. The best sources are the RE books used in RE schools for Realtors, better yet take the course, you may be able to audit the corse for less as you don't need to take the exam. This is invaluable as you will know local customs, acceptable practices, legal issues and what Realtors do and can't do, you will be working with them. Other basic text books like Principles of Real Estate can give you good basic info and how these gurus put thier stuff together, it's the foundation to start out right!

    Thanks for your service Rob! Take charge! Good luck. :)

  • Real Estate Investor · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2008 · 55 posts · 99 votes
    13y

    Wow, I feel honored to be such a hot topic of conversation and thanks everyone for the kind words, I really really appreciate it.

    I don't want to be a Guru, please don't put that "stereo type" on me. I'm really just an average guy that wants to share my experiences with the world. Because I suck at writing, I decided to do a podcast. I had no idea it would go viral, lol!

    There are a ton of highly qualified investors that reside here in BP and if we gave them a microphone & a blog they too would make a big difference.
    Like I said, I'm just an average guy with no formal education that LOVES to wholesale houses and talk about it. That's it.

    The only difference between me and a newer investor is that I send 100,000+ direct mail units a month. THAT'S ALL IT TAKES... Really, lol

    The faster a new investor can scale from a 500 piece mail drop to a 100,000 piece mail drop, the faster they will go from make $5K a month to $100K a month+

    You don't have to be smart, good looking, college educated, rich or talented. Just scale the mailing (I'm living proof)

    So Rob P, thank you for opening up this conversation because you too can be a guru....Just drop 100K mailers, LOL

    God Bless everyone!

    Sean

  • Real Estate Professional · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2010 · 608 posts · 163 votes
    13y

    I'm curious Sean Terry to send 100,000 mailers a month you obviously mail out of your area correct? When mailing out of your area would I be correct in assuming you have buyers that look at the properties for you?

  • Specialist · Orange, CA · Member since 2013 · 37 posts · 35 votes
    13y

    Thank you so much Rob Padilla for that post because I am in your shoes. I am a full time single mom and college student at the age of 46. Trying to find a career that will survive this economy and I am still not 100% confident that my degrees in Horticulture/Landscape Design will do the trick. I have very little money but your right Rob Even $500 is not a whole lot compared to the college fees and books. I have read so many books and bought Carlton Sheets videos which they didn't even work but read through the books and still found myself lost in all the info. I learned a lot about creative investing and come to realize the average Realtor (my sister one of them) does not think like investors do. I truly need a mentor to help me get through my first few deals.

    Can someone here tell me what costs are and how to sign up??? I listen to the Webinar a few nights ago but had to get off before it ended. I saw it most of the way through and left my name and email with questions but got no response back. I looked all over website can't find a phone number to talk to anyone or find package info?

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    @Tina Husted I sent you PM with some suggestions that are specific to folks in Socal.

    Hopefully this helps.

  • Specialist · Orange, CA · Member since 2013 · 37 posts · 35 votes
    13y

    Thanks for your info Tim but still would like to know how to sign up with Sean Terry and what packages he has?? Phone number and such? I already listen to the recording and Webinar So need sign up info. Thanks much!! :)

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    I have no idea. I'd start with googling "flip 2 freedom" :)

    Happy wholesaling.

    For what its worth you don't need any coaching or services just listen to the podcasts and take action. I've paid once ($100) to attend the Dallas F2F event and that was money well spent but the rest can be all done through the podcasts. I'm 15 deals in this year thanks to Sean Terry! I owe that man a lot!

  • Real Estate Professional · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2010 · 608 posts · 163 votes
    13y

    I was really enjoying this thread and then realized I have already posted here. However, I didnt say that I think @Sean Terry pod casts are excellent. I listen to 45 min of Sean terry or BP every day when I walk.

  • Orlando, FL · Member since 2012 · 113 posts · 26 votes
    13y
    The information provided by guru's, whether via their programs or free podcasts, is the same found by researching on the Internet or here at BP. But there are those who need hand-holding to start; and if that is you, then go for the guru. Just be cautious as there is always an up sell at some stage of your "training." Everything has a price.
  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    I really don't see calling Sean Terry a "guru" is even remotely accurate.

    Those who are, probably haven't listened to one podcast or even heard him talk about Flip 2 Freedom once.

    To offer a three day class for $100 with no sales pitch the entire time, over 100 free podcasts and him flat out telling you not to buy his services that he does offer because you can do this without them...

    I've watched him write a check for $5000 and give it to a couple who were in a terrible financial situation, this man has my respect. He is a very successful investor but most importantly he is a great motivator and a giving person.

  • Lexington, KY · Member since 2009 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    @Rob Padilla , since this thread was resurrected, would you care to give us an update on your progress?

  • Allen, TX · Member since 2013 · 23 posts · 33 votes
    13y

    Oh man. @James Vermillion called me out. LOL Ok so here it goes.

    I'm really not into people telling all of their problems to the online world, but I feel this is a little different and I hate when people post threads like this one here and don't follow up. So here it goes. I have not closed a deal yet. GASP! I'm going through a divorce and I've gotten a little side tracked. That's not to say I've given up by any means. I'm insanely addicted to all things real estate. I still listen to the BP podcast every week and I'm on this site daily. My problem was the enormous amount of phone calls I was taking in and organizing it all. If any of you have ever been through the big D then you know it's an emotional beast. Trying to learn this business when your head isn't in the game is very very difficult. So I decided to hit the pause button on my marketing until November. I'm not making excuses, that's just what I need to do.

    On the bright side, I will say this. My phone is still ringing weekly from my mailings. I did 1000 yellow letters two months ago and I still go and meet people. I just met with a lady 2 days ago who is having very big financial problems and needs to sell her rental. We'll see how that goes. I still remember when I was petrified to answer the phone. Those days are long gone now. I also showed my brother this website, Flip2freedom, and he got interested also. He closed his first wholesale deal this week. I definitely consider that a win for me.

    In closing I would like to say this. When I first started looking into the REI business, It all seemed like an out of reach dream. I didn't realize the amount of work I would need to put in to this to be successful or the amount of networking I would need to do to even get a grasp of what's going on in my city. I joined Flip2Freedom because it was a great "by the numbers" way to start wholesaling. That's how my brain works. It taught me, inspired me and I routinely use it as a reference guide if I run into a problem. Do you need it? Absolutely not. But when a person doesn't know anything nor has anyone to ask, It's a gold mine of information. It's what led me to BP for sure. I now know a ton of investors, lawyers and fellow wholesalers in the DFW area. I love this stuff. Have I closed a deal yet? No. Is it my fault? YES! I will be back on track in November and will be looking forward to posting more on BP and getting my first deal come 2014. Why November you ask? Because that's when my lease is up on my bachelor apartment and I move back home. The wife and I worked it out and It looks like I won't be getting divorced after all. :D

    P.S. After proof reading this. it sounds kind of like a newbie sob story but I'm going to let it ride because it's the truth. Just remember one thing if you are considering paying for F2F. Only do it if you have the extra money. All the information is on this website or on the BP or F2F podcasts for free. You will only be paying for the organization of the information if you decide to pay for the F2F program. That's it! I have a good job so I can afford to spend a little for education. If you don't have extra cash, read up on how to market for sellers and DO IT! The nerves go away after about 20 phone calls and you can't buy experience. I will definitely update this thread as I progress. I know everyone has heard this before but I will not quit. It's been almost a year since I started on my REI journey and I'm still excited. Good luck everyone and work hard!

  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    @Rob Padilla Thanks for sharing!

    I am sorry you are going through the current challenges but I cannot even express how much respect I have for you to share with us and still have a desire to make this happen.

    My struggle was different but I too had to get my mind right before succeeding in this business.

    If there is anything I can do to personally help you when it comes to wholesaling please do not hesitate to contact me. You've earned my respect and I look forward to hearing your progress.

    Cheers,

  • Investor · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2010 · 1k+ posts · 928 votes
    13y

    To whoever asked about cost of F2F, this is in another thread from earlier in the year.

    "The basic plan is $97/month but he has $597/year (cheaper but more up front) or a $997 lifetime membership. I went for the basic plan but I'm going to upgrade once I get a deal.

    Sean also just released a program called FreedomLogic, which is a lead tracking, website publishing (and more! but I'm not sure what exactly) software solution. It's free for 30 days and then $97/month after that."

  • Specialist · Orange, CA · Member since 2013 · 37 posts · 35 votes
    13y

    Hi David, that was me thank you so much for a answering!! For some reason i cant find that information. I am listening to his Youtube videos right now. Ive read so much and bought Carlton Sheets in the past and found this is what I am looking for. I dont need all that extra stuff on creative buying to begin with. Maybe later! Still dont know how you purchase from Sean it does not show on his F2F site. Or I could not find it. Anyways, thank you!!

  • Real Estate Investor · OR · Member since 2012 · 390 posts · 133 votes
    13y

    Rob,

    I think your post is refreshing. You are telling what goes on for many as they enter any new business venture---life happens. Thank you for sharing your story. I have a few similar ones yet today I have made my dreams come true by persevering and diligent effort.

    I have been helped greatly by Sean Terry just by his podcast. He gives so much detail in all he lays down---he is very generous. I didn't buy his course---didn't have the money back then ----but he got me through many days/months of tough times when I needed the encouragement. I am grateful for him.

    I have a partner in the DFW area who is very experienced in the market. Let me know if we can help when you are ready to move forward. I have found partnerships to be a very fun and rewarding way to operate.

    As for the big D. This too shall pass Rob. Breathe. Be in the moment. This is part of the lives we live (that we think will never happen to us). You will be stronger for it if you take the lessons learned and move forward----at whatever pace you can. And NO self beating.

    Best of success to you

  • Homeowner · Frisco, TX · Member since 2013 · 22 posts · 4 votes
    13y

    "I joined Flip2Freedom because it was a great "by the numbers" way to start wholesaling. <snip> Do you need it? Absolutely not. But when a person doesn't know anything nor has anyone to ask, It's a gold mine of information. It's what led me to BP for sure."

    @Rob Padilla Whew, so much in your post that I relate to and agree with, I couldn't quote it all. F2F definitely led me to BP as well. Thanks for sharing your story, doesn't sound like a n00b sob story at all. Great post.

  • Allen, TX · Member since 2013 · 23 posts · 33 votes
    13y

    Thanks for the positive responses guys. FYI Danny Johnson's FlippingJunkie website has a ton of info and videos for free. Be sure to check that out.

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