Real estate investment trust education is an individualized process these days. Choices and options are many. There are online courses, webinars, teleconferences, seminars, workshops and more. The student needs to look at education at a deeper level and ask questions, “What kind of training do I need, and how thorough must it be? Maybe I simply need a rigorous refresher course that will get me in the marketplace right away?”

Research REIT education the way parents and high school students look for the right college or university to attend. There are plenty of con artists out there, on the web especially, offering less than sterling courses. Buyer beware. Consider the following when looking for REIT courses:

1. Get REIT training by attending a conference, retreat or seminar.

2. Take an online course for your REIT licensing.

3. Use free CDs, forums and other REIT training opportunities.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get REIT training from pros at seminars, retreats and conferences

Who better to learn from than someone who has been there, done that? Talk and rub elbows with real estate moneymakers.

I recommend: At Trump University, you learn Donald Trump’s techniques for making money with REITs and real estate. Choose a seminar, retreat, online or a one-on-one training format. CFE trains in real estate securities at conferences. They provide lectures, case studies and a group discussion format with industry practitioners and faculty. Analyze REIT financial statements. Learn to evaluate dispositions and acquisitions of property at corporate levels. This company hails from Virginia.

Take an online real estate investment trust training course

There are many fine online programs. Look for testimonials and professional looking websites. There are as many or more low standard programs and even scams online, as well. Find the great programs by researching, asking questions and scrutinizing.

I recommend: Get your real estate license or REIT training from VanEd. Staff instructors can answer questions by phone or email. WestleGale trains online in just 60 minutes with a trio of three experts. View course training materials online or download printable copies. Send in questions by email and watch live video web casts from your home.

Request a free CD for REIT investment training or find forums and network

Look around and you may be surprised at some of the unique REIT and real estate training opportunities available. Find forums, discussion groups and free real estate training CDs.

I recommend: Cohen & Steers trains in REITs and investing. Ask for a free CD about real estate investing from Jason Hartman.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When it comes to real estate REIT training online, formulate clear goals and needs before choosing REIT classes. If you need a license or certification, find the program. Maybe you just need a rigorous course on REITs to get you up to speed quick. Beware of training programs that promise more than they can deliver. Look at testimonials and teacher credentials and backgrounds to find good courses that meet your needs.