Trade time for mentoring

[Tony Castronovo]

A couple of weeks ago I needed to move a refrigerator from one rental to another.  I reached out to some friends on Facebook and within an hour had multiple offers to help me (I have some great friends).  The friend that helped me rode in my truck with me and we talked real estate the whole way to the first rental.  Then when we delivered it to a house I was renovating, he was curious and wanted to walk around.  So then we started talking about construction, rehabs, etc.

It got me thinking....so many people seem to be looking for mentors.  Without realizing it or being intentional about it....I mentored my friend.  At the end of the day he was inspired and now checks up on me and my rehab to see the progress.  We talked about financing, business models, and more. 

This weekend I spent many long hours getting my next rental through punch list (I enjoy being hands on). Could have used a hand...and probably would have talked your ear off (I love REI!). So for those looking to get some mentoring and newbies looking to get a first hand look at the process you might consider volunteering to lend a hand (not just with me, but with other investors looking to share knowledge but are just too busy for lunches and happy hours). I am not trying to recruit free labor (maybe just slightly)... but seriously, it seem like a win-win based on my recent experience. Thoughts?