Re: Real Estate Gurus Are Like Internet Gurus.

Terry has given some pretty good advice here.
With a budget of $500, I would go to Ebay and search for Ron LeGrand. I would buy his 3 module course (they're usually sold separately there)
You should be able to buy that in your budget. If you can only buy one now, start with Wholesale/Retail.
There have been people who have been very successful using only that course.
I would learn first how to "wholesale" first to generate cash and then move to other areas for larger profits.
Use that to generate some money and then invest in live training. Can't cover anything in a course.
As far as Realtors, I have never had any luck dealing with them. Mostly they want to unload their junk that no one else would buy. I would see if I could befriend one for expired listings. They are pretty hard to work with for "no money down". They don't see how they get paid but if you offered them a referral fee for any expired listings you bought, that may work.
The best advice I can give you is:
1. Don't put yourself at personal risk
2.Only go to banks to deposit, not borrow.
3. Be a student, not only of real estate, but marketing.
If you want to talk, contact me at the e-mail and I'll give you my phone.
I have nothing to sell you. I only like helping people get on the right track since I have been on the wrong track.

> Everybody has their own 'favorite guru' for one reason or another. I
> believe nearly all of them have something that would be useful to the
> beginning investor. Be careful though. I've read some that tell you to do
> things that 'border on' being illegal. One (I don't remember who)tells you
> to apply for signature bank loans from several banks on the same day and
> don't tell the banks about each other----Can you say BANK FRAUD!?!?

> I suggest going to Ebay and buy some of the second hand courses offered
> there. Read everything you can find and afford. You'll get 'something'
> from each one.

> Others will disagree with this, but find yourself a good REALTOR who works
> with investors. They can be a big help.

> Investment clubs can be helpful, but, be careful. Some members have been
> known to take advantage of 'newbies' by dumping their 'dogs' on them.

> Decide what route you want to follow. Do you want to be a landlord? Not
> everyone is cut out for that. If not, be a 'flipper'. Buy a property
> cheap. Do some rehab and resell.

> There is alot to learn. You're doing the right thing by asking questions.

> Good luck,