I have joined my local REIA and will be attending meetings next month, I have a relationship with an individual I trust (an older relative) who has offered about 150-180k to invest with me for my first deal(s) at a reasonable return, and I have started analyzing deals.

I'm currently in 12th grade and attend Kennesaw Mountain Highschool.

I attend both Charlotte, and Raleigh each month, Best of luck!

I highly recommend you begin building relationships with people in your local market by attending meetups and asking people to grab a coffee or beer.

@Cesar Santana If you are ever in the area to scout properties you should try to attend a local meetup.

I currently have an investor meetup in Sacramento if you'd ever like to attend as well.

There are usually 100-200 attendees, a brief presentation about differing topics, and several highly experience investors in attendance.

Let me know if you would like to attend? 

Attend meetups or join online forums specific to those regions. 

I'd attend your local REIAs if you're looking for an in-person mentor to guide you.