How do you guys feel about courses?

Question

I see lots of people offering courses and classes regarding real estate, for the ones that are a little more experienced can you share how did you gain more knowledge about real estate? Do you think the information in these courses can also be something you can learn just from experience? As in they are scams?

Caleb Brown · Answer

With how much free stuff there is locally or virtually it makes zero sense to pay for courses. If you have scaled and had a larger business then sure you can do coaching to take it to the next level. Start simple with investing, learn the area, understand the numbers and then take the step

Joe Funari · Answer

@Nikelyia Waters When I started out as an REI over two decades ago I read Rich Dad Poor Dad. And like an idiot did their initial training. Which was very expensive. But then I started attending a local REI Club meeting. Cost was substantially less. Plus networking with other "seasoned" investors and learning from their experience was much more valuable. For example the "Guru" training I attended always would state "Subject state and local laws." They would tell us to check these laws for applicability where were were located. It was frustrating because I wanted specific local expertise to help me in my REI journey. But when I attended a local REI club wholesale training it was much different. They said you need to put out "bandit" signs to attract distresses sellers. But they would go a step further and say don't hang sings in specific local cities. The reason was they will call that number and fine you for hanging a sign without a permit. Other cities don't require a permit. It was that local, practical expertise I was craving. And at a substantially lower price.

So do yourself a favor and moving forward when you post let the BP community know what city your investing in. That way you get the same local, practical advise. Because real estate laws are regulated at a state level. So 50 different set of rules. So find one market and become an expert in that market. For me its the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Hope this helps.

Izaiah Barba · Answer

I’ve spent money on courses and mentorship over the years. Some were worth it, some weren’t. What I’ve learned is that execution > education. Most of what you need to know is out there for free, you just have to apply it consistently.If you’re considering a course, vet the person behind it. Are they active in the business? Do they offer results or just hype? And never buy if you’re not ready to take action. Courses don’t create success, action does!!

Ned Carey · Answer

@Nikelyia Waters no one course will tell you everything you need to know. The success rate of people who buy courses is estimated by many at 5%. Many  of these gurus are very sophisticated sales programs designed to get you to buy ever more expensive classes. They often use manipulative techniques to get you to buy.

Many spread downright bad information. Most leave out enough information to get you into big trouble.

That said I feel there is no better place to invest than to invest in myself.  I have bought many many courses and coaching.

If you can easily afford a course go ahead and try if this is what you want to do. But never spend more than you can afford because of promises that you will make so much money it will easily be repaid. Despite promises of "easy" this is a hard business.

Arman Ahmed · Answer

@Nikelyia Waters

Good question, Nikelyia. Courses can be helpful, but you definitely don’t need to pay thousands to learn this business. Most of what’s in paid programs you can pick up for free (or very low cost) through BiggerPockets, books, podcasts, and by networking with active investors. The biggest “tuition” in real estate is experience—running numbers on dozens of deals, analyzing markets, and eventually doing that first transaction. If you want to speed things up, mentorship or masterminds can be worth it, but for most beginners, the best path is leveraging free resources and surrounding yourself with people actually doing deals.

Nikelyia Waters · Answer

@Joe Funari Thank You!!

Tyler Warlow · Answer

I don't have personal experience with courses, but someone once said to me, "If they are making more money selling you their course than they are making from their real estate, are they really who you want to learn from?" In other words, these are usually people who have built their fortune through sales of their courses, books, etc and not necessarily from their real estate.

That's not to say this is the case for all courses, but take the time, do your independent research, don't trust reviews on the course website because these are usually curated. I personally have learned a lot from BP and going to my local real estate networking events which are all free.

Richard Helppie-Schmieder · Answer

@Nikelyia Waters what is your goal in real estate?

Jason Ha · Answer

I don't like courses. All the information needed can be found on bigger pockets and asking AI. I had a similar situation as you, but as long as you network and meet people, they can also answer your questions. Someone who is solid to watch or listen to as you drive is Cameron Burke on Youtube.

How do you guys feel about courses?

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