Vanessa,I am in the same boat as you and here are my ideas for myself which may also help answer your questions.First listen to the following podcasts until you have a complete understanding of the direct mailing scheme.

I am realistic and know this real estate investing business isn't a get rich quick scheme.

Every guru is telling every newbie to market to them for their get rick quick scheme.

Ponzi Scheme!

The reason that the heloc transfer method is so popular is because it's associated with MLM schemes and used with misinformation like "amortized interest" to sell bad financial advice to people that don't understand how interest works. 

As many stated, its the get rich quick mentality with people who move from one scheme to the next.

@Brent Coombs  it absolutely goes to intent and business practice's and a body of work.If someone is doing unlicesend activity the regulators are going to look for how many, how often, advertising to the public,, etc etc... they call it a Scheme 

Language included in these schemes include: “tying up the real property,” putting the house in contract until a buyer is found, and placing the home in contract for the purpose of re-selling the property.

Real estate is not a get rich quick scheme.

:@Elliott Elkhoury agreed as far as staying as far away as possible from this pyramid scheme.