I know how much real estate investors or operators love to visit guru sites, listen to us old guys on deals of the past, the old Rent-To-Own stuff, but you can take all that now (except the two different contracts, a lease and a separate option) and throw it out with your bell bottom slacks, leisure suits and platform shoes.

What would you do to complete your first RE deal in my shoes, or would you just NOT BOTHER?

So it is a pretty big purchase for a guy in my shoes.

I have my own thoughts on what a mentor could bring to the table, but I wanted to also ask the community what questions they would ask if in my shoes. 

Totally agree, you can't know your market sitting at a computer, real estate is a social business as Matt described, use some shoe leather, walk and talk, meet people, get belly to belly as they say. :)

I'm confident I can find great deals for you.Most women love hand bags or shoes.

What direction would you go if you were in my shoes (CA or cheaper market)?   

@Mike Koebke  If I were in your shoes I would be looking for an apartment building in the $1.2M range.  

  There are many on bp that would like to be in your shoes, A newbie with 2 three units and NO MORTGAGE ! 

People are trying to help, and I am certain @Donald Tepper really did not mean to insult.If you are going to be rehabbing and flipping properties you are going to be meeting a lot more insulting and condescending characters- believe me.Take the advice at face value and move on.Put yourself in the money lenders shoes - They are in the business of making as much money as possible with as little risk as possible.