All Forum Posts by: Javon Varona

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

0 Votes

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

0 Votes

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

0 Votes

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

0 Votes

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

0 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

0 Votes

Hello BP! I wanted to introduce myself, my name is Javon and I am new to REI and Wholesaling. I am looking to ask a lot of questions (In which I will search the forum before I ask something that has been asked a million times) gain knowledge and hopefully network with some people who are as motivated as I am. I want to thank you all for having me and feel free to say hello.

Blessings,

Javon

3 Votes

All Forum Posts by: Javon Varona

Javon Varona has started 4 posts and replied 27 times.

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: Than Merrill or REIA Meeting?

Post: New Member From Greater New Orleans, LA Area