Should one hire a mentor or not?

[Gearold White]

I mentioned this topic a little in one of my "newbie" posts. I would like to know your thoughts on hiring a mentor. Sounds like an oxymoron to me but I also see where there can be a HUGE value in this. I have been tossing this idea around for a while now. I was turned on to a real estate agent that sent me to a mentor. He is asking for almost 8,000 dollars to be a mentor to me. This will last for a full year, and he would walk me throught the full sale of the first one. I know the relationship will go long after that just because I know myself (unless hes a thief). I know I would be getting the years of knowledge and mostly the pitfalls this guy has endured will be brought to the table as well. Should I buy a Mentor or take a chance and keep reading on BP and learn from my "elders" jump into the first house on my own? Alo, if you beleive this is a great idea, what questions should I ask this guy?