All Forum Posts by: Tershant Rhodes

I've been a member of this site for some time now and for the life of me I have yet to see how Bigger Pockets help new investors get their first deal done. For the most part, what I see are people introducing themselves to the forums as new investors, asking for assistance, and searching for a mentor to help them gain knowledge with no success because no one, especially the seasoned investors who are commenting on the newbies post are offering any assistance other than "read through the site". It seems that the seasoned people are not compassionately concerned about the newbie's venture therefore, they don't care to offer any mentoring or walk through assistance.

With as many people here who post the "read the site" replies the only thing they are doing is mostly speaking a foreign language to an inexperienced, new investor because the information on the site is scattered and not in any order to get a new investor from A to Z without first confusing them.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to point anyone out or offend anyone. I'll even go as far as to say that respectfully, I like the site and I'm not bashing Bigger Pockets but if there are so many people here that's proclaiming to be in a position to readily assist a new investor then why are they hiding? It seems to me like they really don't want to help at all and by suggesting that a person read through the site alone is a way to indirectly brush them off. But why?

Didn't we all have to start somewhere with someone at some point to get to where we are today? I know it wasn't all done alone.

I believe that one hand should help the other and pay it forward to earn even a greater reward. Mentoring does not have to take all day and is as simple as taking about 10 to 15 minutes out of your busy schedule once or twice a week to help someone in need whos trying to better themselves no matter where you are. I know I would contently offer my assistance if God blessed me with the skills.

Say what you will but for someone who is new the information on this site can be very complicated to understand especially if the new person is someone who is wet behind the ears and searching for knowledge.

I've yet to see anyone on here who has the experience and ability to do so make a concious decision to help others or agree and express an interest in offering to assist someone else who does not know the industry well; even if the the person who offers the assistance specify to the new person any terms of agreement to take the newbie under his/her wings.

Although, I know that nothing in life is FREE and you have to put in an effort to succeed, I still don't know about the ones who claim to have a "best interest at heart" attitude but never step up to do a good deed and believe that they will be rewarded greatly for the deed.

So to make a long story short, my question is: How does being a member of Bigger Pockets help New Investors?

Dislaimer: This is just a curious post as it relates to paying what you have been blessed with forward to someone else who is following you mainly because they are interested in your journey to success. They want to learn from you and they look up to you and your success. Nothing personal.....

I'm a newbie who is researching wholesale investing in Atlanta and Athens, Georgia and mobile home investing in the more rural parts of Lexington, Georgia. I've been reading the forum here on Bigger Pockets for the last 2 weeks and there is still very much to learn. Previously, I submitted a post in search of a mentor; hoping to find someone in the immediate area to assist me in learning as I assist them with the grunt work in their business.

I've also looked into REI clubs and meeting groups. The closest to me is 2 hours away and although I know that it would be beneficial, I must say that with limited income and the cost of gas these days it behooves me to cautiously travel so far, only to not meet anyone there who can help me. No, I'm not saying that I won't travel but in my efforts I'd like my time and energy to produce results instead of nothing at all. That's why I'm looking at it as my last resort and I sure do hope I'm right.

All of this leads me to my question(s).

First off, after no responses for mentorship, I started to research coaching programs on the web. I've signed up for many newsletter and email notifications and now I'm getting so many mailings that they're beginning to become SPAM with most of them being GURU solicitations.

Fortunately.....well that's the way I see it.....I received a message from Carlton Sheets. His message stood out to me because his face and name is familiar and he is very well known in the real estate industry. I've even seen one of his many informercials on late night tv ...... In this particular email he was promoting his coaching program. So after reading it over and over again, I decided to call the number listed in the email for a free consultation.

As I was speaking to the representative, he mentioned that it costs $995 to enroll into the program and the cost could be broken down into three payments with $190 down. He also said that this program will guarantee me at least one deal but, he didn't say how long it would take or if I didn't successfully complete a deal that my money would be refunded back to me.

Now I don't want to sound negative or anything as I always try to take a positive approach to anything I do....but 'm wondering if this is a legitimate program and if it indeed guarantees a closing where I can make money while in the program because I am in this for Financial Freedom.....but I can't risk a chance of paying out $995 with no return.

So I ask the forum, has anyone of you tried such a program and did it work? What about the cost? Is it a reasonable price to get a deal done? How effective is it? And in further question; would it be best for me to drive 2 hours to a REI meeting rather than pay $995 of my currently limited income for a coaching program?

Lastly, Geez I wish I can find a mentor .....

Thank you for your comments.

Well not literally. :-)

I am a new investor looking to begin wholesaling and flipping houses. I am hoping to find an experienced investor in the Metro Atlanta/Athens areas of Georgia who would be willing to help me get started. I have already spent countless hours on the forums/blogs and have come across an amazing amount of helpful & valuable information.

But, I would also love the opportunity to simply follow/shadow someone for a couple of weeks, take notes, and learn everything I can about how they do deals and how their business works on a day-to-day basis. Of course, I am also willing to help out in any way that I can.

My background is in the Executive Office Industry, so I have a good grasp of the multi-tasking and serving as a great support system for business functions. However, I realize that this is only a small part of completing a successful wholesale or rehab transaction.

If anyone is willing to help me out or can point me in the direction of someone who could, I would greatly appreciate it. Any other advice is also welcome.

Thanks