In fact, it applies not only to contractors but to everyone who did some kind of work for you last year: property managers, wholesalers, mentors, attorneys, and even – yes!

I would recommend house-hacking or partnering/mentoring to get a better understanding of real estate on your first deal. 

(4) How much is Scott's mentoring or course?

I am speaking from mentors/classes in general.

Desperately hope to find a mentor, or partners to invest with.

One of my original mentors was PRO lease option on the purchase side, however I never felt  peace about it.I was always concerned what if something happened to the original seller and they did not cooperate when it came time to exercise the option. 

There was no consistent "mentoring" throughout the course, despite what was implied, or at least what I implied at the bootcamp webinar.

Quote from @Bob Avery: Brandon has ~3 pages in Rental Property Investing on the appropriate way to find a mentor.

I joined a mentor group earlier this summer also to help accelerate the process.A little about me...I joined the Marines out of high school and served for one enlistment.

If you analyze everything right, observe your mentor and take your time to get the right asset, it will be fine.