Professionally, i have my license and already started to build some relationships. 

Additionally, filing establishes a record of your business activities, which can be beneficial for future deductions or tax compliance.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

It also positions you to work more effectively with lenders and partners who want to see a professional financial setup.How are others here organizing their finances?

Building relationships and finding the right deals will be key to your success - also make sure to start out small and go from there - don't get into something too big/you can't handle.

Their personal problem does not effect your contract in any way.

The nature of the relationship to me seemed exploitative and it bothered me a great deal. 

Assuming the mentor is either inexpensive or doing it out of the goodness of their heart of course...I think people try to get mentors too early, when they haven't built a foundation for their business or their relationships.

I have been battling with the credit bureaus for 15 years between 2 divorces, and multiple incidents of identity theft (the untold effect of military service).

What I wrote above does not create an attorney/client relationship between us.

Bank of America does this - not sure about the minimums, but if you have a good relationship with your local branch, they can waive the monthly fees until your balance grows from rental income.