BRRRR and learn or find a mentor first?

[Nancy Stark]

Hi, "I am a real estate investor (who hasn't done any real estate transactions) and part-time PA (physician assoc).

I have an $85K HELOC and $10K cash and would like to invest in a Class C SFH in Jacksonville, FL. I have read many BP books, listened to podcasts, watched webinars, videos, etc. Most advise to associate yourself with the people you want to become, but I currently don't know any full-time investors. When I read these posts, I realize how much I don't know. I also realize you learn best by trial and error (hopefully it's not a very expensive error). Would you recommend finding a partner/mentor first (and if so, how do I go about doing that and not getting taken advantage of due to my lack of knowledge) -or- just going for it with what I have learned on my own?