I am a firm believer in that everything you do as an investor you should first and foremost make sure that you are working inside trusted relationships.

@Tracey Artist First, develop a relationship with at least one contractor, whose recommendations, quality of work, and ethics you have vetted. 

Those who do last are ones who build relationships and trust through their transactions.

Take advantage of that and try to make relationships with local like-minded investors.

Remember also co-pays, annual deductibles and plan-year and lifetime maximums.As for natural disasters, remember that you're talking "historically".

I'm free for the summer (May through August), so hopefully I'll have the opportunity to shadow at least one investor (first-timer or expert).Also, I have included the option of hiring me as an assistant, if needed, so it can be a mutually beneficial relationship.

Making solid relationships and being willing to think outside of the box and open to different ways of doing business is how I got my start.  

I am looking to making relationship and finding mentors in North Carolina to get a real good foundation in real estate and build to become a Real estate investor!

You bring up a good point though, it's about the future relationship.

Now I build relationships with my tenants and my contractor.