New to Real Estate investment, should I find a mentor?

[Larry Xu]

Hi BiggerPockets! I am graduating from my Master's program and will be living and working in NYC. I've been really fascinated by Real Estate investment, and with some personal savings and a pretty stable income, I'm very committed to starting my real estate investment journey as soon as this year. 

As a newbie, I'm hesitating whether I should find a mentor to learn and practice all the basics, or I should just start finding deals and learn by doing. I would appreciate any advice. 

I am also more than happy to meet up in-person - coffee, lunch, dinner, take a walk, whatever. Anyone who's on the same boat, or has advice to give, or is just interested in meeting, feel free to reply to the post!