Finding a real estate investing mentor

[Jordan Filimonuk]

I didn't really know where to put this so I apologize if it's not in the correct spot. 

This is my first post on bigger pockets forums. I'm a long time listener of the podcast and avid reader of the blog. 

I'm going to get right to the point....

I have a meeting friday afternoon with a possible mentor-esque type person who's first impression of me is very important. They are HUGE in the  local real estate investor community, and through mutual connections they have agreed to meet me and talk to me.

Now as excited as I am about what sort of doors this could open, im also equally nervous about wtf im going to say to them. My goal in this whole thing is to find a local person who is DOING what I want to be doing and this is that person. My goal is to offer them my services, whatever they may need from me, in exchange for knowledge and guidance. I dont want them to throw me deals or find me deals, or even help me finance deals. All I am after is for them to let me sit in on business meetings, or help analyze all different deal structures etc. Basically the works. I just want some guidance on how I should go about acquiring more properties using creative financing tactics. i want to build a relationship with them that is mutually beneficial and long lasting.

Help me out community. How should I go about this? What questions should I ask? What do I NOT want to say to this person? Have any of you ever been in a similar situation? Literally if you look at the BEST in any industry, most people will credit their huge successes in part to a highly influential mentor.  THATS WHAT I WANT. I dont want to blow this. I know how to go about getting these meetings now with potential influential people, but if I blow it then i'm wasting both their time as well as mine. 

thanks for any input!