Mentors are there to look over your shoulder and to stop you from making a mistake. 

Another issue that needs attention upfront is the ROW being sufficient width.

To be nonthreatening, put your feet in front of you, shoulders out, and, your stomach relaxed.

If you're at ground zero and you want to get into some bigger deals, you simply must bring some sort of value to the table.Listen to how @Joe Fairless explains it here:Standing On The Shoulders Of Giants

There have been a few bumps in the road but thankfully I have an excellent property management team who has lifted a lot of burden off my shoulders. 

I would say buying a distressed house and depending on someone to fix it up after the sell is a huge risk--a risk that falls 100% on your shoulders. 

That said, the devil on my shoulder wants me to find out just how low these lien holders are willing to negotiate.

People are willing to work with me and I don't have to look over my shoulder after a deal is done.

I want to be hands on and be in control of the deal, but at the same time I want to let them do their job and not be looking over their shoulder the entire time.

It means they can screw people as they are "helping" them, within the limits of the law, and no one is looking over their shoulder.