Dean's Real Estate Event

I am trying to gather more info from those who have been investing for some time now or from those who have just started. I went to Dean's Event this weekend here in Dallas, TX and he had one of his students doing the presentation. By the end of the conference, it was basically trying to sign us up to his academy for the 3 day course and we would have to invest about 2K of our own money. now, it seems like a great deal, because of the return we get from them, however, if you do not have the 2K then what? I am eager to make this happen regardless of being able to join the success academy, and take advantage of the perks. I am new to real estate and am really doing everything I can. I have read the books, and i just bought my bandit signs. i have also made my prerecorded message, and now am hoping to get the calls to build my buyers list. Now, my concern is, what is the possibility of still making a few small deals under my belt without this academy? I really want to prove to myself that I can be successful at real estate. No one believes me, and it seems that even the people i speak with that are in real estate tell me this isnt possible, and im driving down a dead end. I am a little nervous about what properties to out bids on without having any of my own money to purchase these properties, and furthermore, not even have a buyer ready. I really hope that I can make a deal soon to give me some confidence that I can make it happen, and maybe later once I can save some money join the academy, and really start off in my investing career. any advice or information on how to make that first deal would be greatly appreciated. Thank you DG Family and hope to hear from you soon. I look forward to sharing all my news, and efforts on getting closer to my first deal!