Finding good advisors

[Lance D]

Real estate investment has always been on my list of things to do at some point in my life. With the real estate market in the shape that it currently is, I've decided that I am in a good position to enter the field.

Currently I work from home, which means I could meet with agents and other important people throughout the day. I have no consumer debt and a credit score of 760+. Each year I contribute to my retirement account and I keep a year's worth of emergency savings on hand. With that said, I am in good position financially to purchase investment real estate.

I have a list of books that I'll be reading here soon, but I've also found that experience or simply doing a deal is the best teacher. My local REI club has a mentor program for $5,000 and they will walk you through your first few deals. Here is the link:

http://profitable-partnerships.com/index.php?file=webpage&page_id=2

Any thoughts on the mentor program? Would I be better off to find an agent that frequently works with investors to find my first deal? I'm looking for property that I can hold for a considerable length of time.