I am looking for a Mentor/Buddy/Partner/Friend...or just someone that knows what the hell they are talking about.

[Jaime Penix]

As stated before, I am new to the real estate game. I think that I am doing ok thus far, but I want to kick my work into another gear. I will admit to date, I have been a part time investor, somewhat of a hobbyist. And quite possibly this situation maybe mine for foreseeable future. But I am looking some assistance, for the lack of better words. I need someone that knows more than me about real estate, someone that has better connections, someone that maybe has been where I am currently. I need to make a decision to continue my hobbyist path or to make a move. I am looking for someone in the central Florida area, from Tampa to Daytona beach. If there are any interested folks out there, you know where to find me. I am an open book, seeking the best path/paths.

[Jaime Penix]

@Ron Stasch Thank you for your response and shared thoughts. I will start out by saying that I am doing all those things you mentioned already. It seems when you go to these meetings and seminars you run into a lot of novice like myself or ********ters. I have met realtors, folks in real estate interest groups, bankers, contractors, friends, family, postmen and the barber; all can provide the most colorful accounts about real estate. There exist not a single question that they can't speak infinitely on, uninterrupted mind you. They have all the answers. But when I really listen to them, all they are doing are reciting what other people say or write. Many times even as a notice, I can pick this up quite early in the conversation. They really don't know real estate, well not to the degree that I will lend a completely unbiased ear.

I am surely not looking for a short cut. At the same time, if there are more efficient ways to do it, I am on it. I am going to make my way regardless. There is no doubt in my mind that I am going to be successful at this, with or without this said person. I figure that I can streamline my thoughts better if I did developed a connection with a likewise person. Helping, possibly to narrow and define my areas of concentration.

And what can I provide to this person? Probably the same thing that person can provide to me; an opportunity to expand my knowledge, my experience, and my finances. It is a two way street, I am not looking to siphon off someone's energy for my sole advantage. This will be more like a mutual interaction; I will not be the lesser participant. I had interviews with several of these internet real estate gurus regarding their mentorship programs, but as soon as they mention me paying some ridiculous start up fee or splitting a 50/50 profit for the work I solely will do; then I am in the wind. No one is going to get rich off my back, we can get rich off each other's back. On second thoughts, I guess I am not looking for a mentor. I will be satisfied to meet someone like me but with a little more time under their belt.

I am just a beginner, but I am averaging a deal every two months for the past year and a half. Thus, I am already practicing. Real-life practicing. All in all, I don't know what I am looking for but I am sure there is someone out. Someone who can benefit from me. Just as I can benefit from them. If there is no one, I will still figure the game out myself.