Joining a real estate team???

[Tony Davenport]

I'm fairly new to real estate investing, and am struggling to get things going. I've done lots of research, gone to REI meet ups and even working with a investment realtor, who has introduced me to a so called "mentor". I'm still having trouble getting off the ground with very little spare money with my one income supporting my now family of 5. My question is is there any advantages to joining a investor group that has "mentors" and is like one of those MLM companies? I have a bad taste from previous ventures dealing with these companies, but there could be an up side if they actually have a good step by step program. Is this a good way for beginners to get started or more of a waste of time? Any input would help.