If you are just getting started in this business or even if you are an experienced pro, having an education and local people where you invest to network with are key.
So first find a local group in your area. I have a list of groups on my site if you would like to click here. If there are several groups in the area, I would join all if the cost is not too prohibitive or check them out and find the one that offers the most for your money.
After joining, tap in to what they have to offer - their guest speakers who will come in will be the cheapest education you will find for free or under $100 you can see top notch professional speakers sharing their insight - just don't get miffed if they have something to sell. You would not take time to divulge your secrets for free on how you do what you do, so don't expect the speakers to either. They usually offer a presentation that is 90 % content and 5 to 10% sales pitch. You don't have to buy, but be sure to take lots of notes.
Also network at every event, learn how to meet & talk to new people.
And if they have a large event, check it out - for example our group in Kansas City will be holding a 2 day event with 9 speakers (that's 8 90 minute presentations and 1 short lunch presentation) over 20 different vendors from Kansas City and a few national ones who want to do business plus another 200 attendees who have something to offer, from their services that they do (contracting, lending, realtors, bird dogs, wholesalers, rehabbers, landlords, property managers, and more) to their support. Find a learning buddy if you are new and hold each other accountable - you will learn more and get where you want to go faster.
So google up real estate investing seminars to find one in your area or if you are in the Kansas City area or will be visiting, check out our EXPO 2008 . go to www.MAREIexpo2008.com - we even have a bunch of articles and sample presentations from many of the speakers and some of the vendors right ther on the site.
I hope to see you at an even somewhere in the future.
Kim in Kansas City
Kim Tucker
Kansas City Investor