Attending these events are REALLY important (I can find my first mentor, network, collect business cards, etc), but I'm held back by my situation. - What is the optimal way to fund my first deal?

And finally they want success in real estate investing skipping the necessary years of experience, capital accumulation and mastering  lessons regarding real estate principles, law, and finance, by paying a “mentor” (guru) for a 3 day workshop and continual “mentoring”.  

Partner with an investor-friendly agent and mentors to identify properties with strong rental potential.

I am looking for some coaching/mentoring from an advanced imvestor that might be able to look through my portfolio with a different lens and give some advice on next steps.

A few weeks ago I had a meeting with a mentor and asked his opinion about this.

To succeed, choose your investment criteria, start small, and consult a local real estate agent or mentor.

I’m seeking anyone who could be a mentor/coach, someone I can shadow, or someone I can reach out to just to pick their brain.

Something that could be a great help to you is to go to a local REIA and find someone willing to mentor you in the early days.

Further, for a $300 - $400 investment you’d get a complete course on a particular investing methodology and the “mentor” who sold you his books and tapes would take your phone call personally and answer any questions you had.  

If there’s anyone interested in becoming a mentor to a beginner, please feel free to message me.