From what I understand, he has been doing it for a very long time, i.e. managing properties and enhancing rental values through additions and other means to be able to raise rent for my mentor's properties.

Here's what it says in the 10-K:To enhance a positive image in the community and support one of the Bank's values, we participate in many local events, and our officers and directors serve on boards of local civic and charitable organizations.It's not that hard to figure out.

Because I own businesses in other fields its great to wall off the software by company from the employees view but from my vantage point it's one system that reaches people in all parts of the organization, allows us all to work together on projects and enhances inter office communications.

If you're set on long term single family investing in the Phoenix area, you might consider ways to enhance your cash flow, such as:Vacation rentalsStudent rentalsGroup homesOffering lease options / seller financing

I also think creating additional cashflow income to better enhance your own real estate income makes even more since. 

Alex, there are many reasons for getting you license, and I'd suggest you consider whether you're intending to use it to enhance your investing career, or if you would like to use it for the purposes of being a Realtor?

Finally, depending on your return strategy and risk spread, different markets is something you may want to consider, for example you may want to spread your eggs beyond your immediate territory to enhance your buyers market experience, I know I may open up a bag of worms with my next statement, but consider turnkey operators in different market to help enhance your buyers market experience.

I am working hard to enhance my knowledge of discounted cash flow modeling for portfolios/complex capital stacks in ARGUS, CMBS securitization, syndication and commercial construction/development.   

However, we have a dream of living in the US to enhance our ability to reach financial independence sooner while providing a better life for our future family.

Welcome to BiggerPockets @Gafaru HallId encourage you to browse the "Education" zone up there of our site as it is developed to enhance the REI knowledge (for rookies especially).See you around!