But just like anything else that has the potential for making people money, real estate investing has instigated a flooding of the market with so-called "experts" who offer - at a high price - to lead the way to real estate riches and teaching how to invest in real estate.


After all, cosmetologists and undertakers need to take tests to put makeup on people, or bury them. Shouldn't real estate gurus be able to pass a test before they can earn your trust?| |
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1. Do they have solid credentials in the real estate business? (Or were they refugees from some other line of work?) |
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2. Have they done literally hundreds of deals? (Or only a few dozen?) |
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3. Have they done many, many different types of deals? (Or are they just a one-trick pony?) |
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4. Are they still doing deals? (Or are they onto full-time speaking and coaching now?) |
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5. Can you hope to speak with them personally on the phone? (Or are they always just too busy for you, and all you can get is a staffer?) |
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6. Are they willing to disclose details of specific properties? (Or do they hide behind that "confidential" label?) |
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7. Do their testimonials list real names that you can call if you really want to? (Or are they cloaked in anonymity, like "J.C., Utah"?) |
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8. Can they point to recent successful transactions? (Or is their record ancient history?) |
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9. Do they still make most of their money in real estate investments? (Teaching's fine, but they should still be making serious money in active investing.) |
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10. Do they also tell you the risks and pitfalls of investing? (Or do they make it sound like any lazy idiot can become a can't-lose millionaire?) |
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11. Do they have solid, money-back guarantees for a substantial period? (Or do they play the 30-day game, with return reauthorizations, restocking fees, and other silly hoops you need to jump through?) |
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