Then if in the US you have to find a friend of theirs to get their contact info.    2.  

Mind if I DM you/add you as a friend?

Some people seem to get locked in to one place they find, or a place a friend or family member is selling without really evaluating the available market.In a small town in East Texas I would think your biggest risk is a big player coming to town that can absolutely crush a smaller player. 

I like how some people have said change the word “mentor” with “friend”.

@Jonathan Small government actions have led to an unprecedented 40% increase in the money supply, 50-year record inflation, record increase in interest rates, bank failures, credit tightening, CRE recession, housing affordability issues, mobility issues, inventory issues, and massive impacts to the world economies, every investment class, and our families, kids, and friends like never before. 

Illinois is tenant friendly state.

My wife's friend's husband is a handyman who has a lot of experience.

Get a friend/relative/co-worker to rent a room from you?

I have a close friend and business partner who vetted them also.

I highly suggest you use our marketplaces to find trusted, investor-friendly team members: Tax Pro finder: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/tax-and-financ...Lender finder: https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/lendersProperty manager finder (if you go that route and don't self manage): https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/finder/property-manag...