If you have never been in real estate investing, and you are looking to get into real estate, most likely you've seen one of the many online courses available. Take it from me. DON'T buy them. Fact is, most of the information can be found for FREE, and a lot of the methods that are covered are outdated.
Take foreclosures for example. I'll tell you right here for free (if you don't already know), a list of foreclosures can be found at your local courthouse in most cases. They are also listed in many local newspapers. As far as getting a great deal; it's like finding a "needle in a haystack." In most cases, when a foreclosure goes to auction, the mortgage holder (quite often) has someone with cash waiting to save the property in trouble. (Though you may get lucky).
Then you have tax certificates and tax liens. A list of property with delinquent taxes is also public information, and for a small fee, the property appraiser or clerk of the court can run off copies for you. They can also provide you with the date of any upcoming auctions. These auctions typically go pretty quick, and again not everyone will let go of their property so easily, even if they have to borrow the money so they don't lose it. Also, before bidding on these types of properties, it is best to thoroughly research what you are buying.
As for these so called "real estate courses," some of them charge in excess of $4,000 dollars. They provide you with a "coach" and a "mentor," and some of them are beginners just like the people that have purchased the "course." A typical course will tell you that you use other people's money to finance your purchases, when the fact is: You need money to make money.
It is a rare instance when someone is willing to sell for pennies on the dollar, and "you get what you pay for."
A typical "guru" website will start off telling you how much money they made using "a simple method." Toward the end they will ask you for money, and more times than not- you probably won't ever be able to contact the person whose name appears wishing you "the best of luck." One I have had an experience with is Lou Vukas. I have never spoken to him, or been able to contact him, AND no one seems to know who he is, but he sure has a lot of emails to send.
Bottom line, just ask someone who has been doing real estate investing, or mortgages or refinancing and you'll be surprised at what they will teach you for little or no money.
