Re: Carleton Sheets (and company) - Posted by Matt B
Posted by Matt B on December 22, 1998 at 07:25:16:
I understand why you didn’t leave your e-mail address. You would be bombarded with messages from all sorts of people about your post. I am not going to tear into you like I’m sure many people who read this post will want to, but I would like to comment on a few things that you said.
You mentioned in your post that the only way to improve yourself was through work and what you refer to as “real” education- college. I agree that it does take work to improve yourself. Ordering a TV course on real estate will not make you a millionaire in a couple months. Believe it or not, you have to actually go out there and apply what you learned, checking out properties, making calls, putting together offers, etc. You have to take action in order to effect any change or improvement in your life. No course (on TV or in college) will improve your life or financial status without you applying the principles learned therein.
I can appreciate you being proud of your accomplishment in achieving your college degree. I watched my brother work very hard for his bachelor degree. At the same time, however, I believe that it is VERY narrow-minded to assume that the only place to obtain “real” education is from a college. Let me tell you a little about myself. I am a computer administrator for a large manufacturing firm. I handle all computer problems within a user base of 230. I provide instruction on a one-on-one basis and in a classroom occasionally. I manage a Windows NT and HP UNIX server enviroment. I set up new accounts, set database permissions, assign user rights, and maintain network security. I have NO college degree. I ain’t even gots no high school diploma!!! I am 25 years old and responsible for keeping a multi-million dollar company operating day to day. I ensure that the order takers can enter information on the network. I make sure that the information gets to the manufacturing floor, where the order is executed. I ensure that the time spent working on the order is tracked via computer. In short, I am responsible for every step of the manufacturing process that results in the company getting paid, communicating with the outside world, paying its employees, and generally conducting business. (Did I mention that I have no college degree?)
I have learned a great deal in my 25 years. None of the information that I have learned, however, was learned in a college or ANY sort of formal schooling. When I wanted to learn something, I went and found whatever source that I could to provide me with the information that I needed. Sometimes the source of that information would be through some “course” that showed up at my door in 6 to 8 weeks! I think of myself as a very intelligent person, but I’m not the only one!
One of the “courses” that I ordered was Lonnie Scruggs’ books on making money with mobile homes offered on this web site. One of the oddest things happened when I read the information and put it to use…(brace yourself) I made money dealing in buying and selling mobile homes!! Not only that, but now I have a steady, passive monthly income coming from the notes that I created on these mobile homes!
I am almost sure that you are well intentioned by warning people not to buy these courses. I have been scammed a few times myself. At the same time, you should perhaps conduct a bit more research into the area that you are criticizing since you do not seem to have all the facts.
I personally know of, and have seen no money down deals. I’m sure many other real estate investors have used this technique in their dealings. Try posting to News Group I and ask how many people have done a no money down deal. Ask for details. You will be surprised at all the different ways that it can be done.
Your input is appreciated, but do your research before you come out with your guns blazing. It only makes you appear dumb if you start screaming about everybody else not knowing what they are talking about when some of them are doing these deals right now.
- Rich