Beginner Finding a Mentor

[Aaron Smart]

So, I've been reading a lot on REI lately and feel like the more I read the less it is useful. I need to get hands on experience at some point. In my readings, a lot of people say a mentor is about the best way to go about getting into REI successfully.

I have an idea of potentially finding a mentor and want to hear thoughts. The idea would either go over as a brilliant go getter or a lunatic stalker. Let me know your thoughts.

I've been scouring the property appraisers websites to see who is buying property and what it is selling for in different areas. I have found that a lot of properties are being sold to LLCs. I can easily find the owners of these LLCs, find out their address and check out their house on Google maps. If their house is big and in a good neighborhood, I can assume they are either successful or in debt up to their eyeballs. Obviously, for a mentor, I want someone successful. Once I find a person who I think appears successful, I can write/email them and let them know that I am looking for a mentor and can offer my services for free should they be willing to take me under their wing.

Stalker or brilliant?