I guess there are more generalizations than specifics as to his 'training' but you wont get details unless he sees the $green$...
If you can afford it, I honestly don't think the learning experience would hurt you at all, and you have all of us to help you along the way as well.
Besides, having someone there, face to face, and help with posing might work better for you as this will be your first show.
I think you need to trust what/who ever you decide for your training/prep. Everyone will probably have a different opinion on how to prepare and last thing you need is to be running around all confused...
I wish I could give you an accurate response re: the comment "He would want me to lose 20lbs of fat for Figure & 25lbs of fat for BBing"
If you got the funds...why not?
$.02