How can I provide value with my skills?

[Jesse Wood]

What are some ways I could help someone experienced in real estate in exchange for some guidance in finding and working through a future first deal? 

Since graduating from App State some 15 years ago, I've worked at a small-town newspaper and magazine publisher and in two woodshops building furniture, doors and cabinets in the Boone NC area. I mention that just to give an idea of some of my skills. 

Any ideas on how to find/approach a potential mentor? And any ideas on how I can provide some value to them based on some of my experience? I am not asking for something for nothing and am respectful of people's time. 

I know several people in local real estate just from living in the area for 20 years but I am not buddies with anyone in the industry? Could it be as simple as writing an email or letter to them explaining pretty much what I did in this post? If you've been in my shoes or in the shoes of the mentor, how would you recommend I go about this? 

Thanks in advance for any responses