When attending the various sessions, I learned many individuals started their journey with house hacking.

Whether partner, mentor or coach, you can learn on the job and there aren't many careers that equip you better for this than just doing it. 

Suggest you connect with them and do all you can to encourage them to mentor you.

I’d recommend finding a mentor to guide you through the process and considering ways to invest even before you reach $100k, like partnering with others or utilizing low down payment loans.

Start with education - Read books, join local investor groups & find a mentor.

I believe we will have to get the tenants on new contracts.I haven't been to the area, but I did decide to put full trust into my mentor and the #s still cash flow, although I'm putting in more significant starting cash than I had ever planned on.I'm fortunate to have a decent W-2, and going forward I realize I really have to take full responsibility for the loan and be my own best advocate for the interest rate.  

I look for someone that can advice me on what to do with my money. Someone experienced and seasoned, who can hear my plans and goals and give their take on how to reach them, or offer new ideas. 
In short - investor ...

If you search these forums and the FB group, you'll find no shortage of people who don't believe in coaches, mentors or professional guidance in their business.

That real estate gurus / mentors have been successful in their real estate investing careers - if they ever actually had one9.

The location is great on this property (2 miles to the Island / 5 mile to Dollywood), no HOA and sq ft ~ 335 (2bd / 2.5 ba) but getting very nervous as will be first deal and would love some input here or mentor input as continue down the path of investing and learning.