I hvae two articles you should read since you're at this stage in your career:What You Can Do Right Now To Prepare To Be an AgentHow To Select a BrokerageStudy, study, study and build that sphere of influence.  

You have limited control on these leads but many start by tapping in on their sphere of influence where they already have strong relationships and trust.3) Does my limited availability hamper my desirability to a broker or mentor, to the point where my legal experience cannot compensate for my current commitments?

I've (personally and directly in my own sphere of business associates) heard of probably 9 misfortunes involved in real estate for every 1 fortune.I do know a wealthy person who has a successful portfolio of many rentals which are almost entirely paid off, but this person is extremely professional, hard-working, and involved in the business, and financially cautious.

I am a kiwi and I have trained investors in NZ for years and also invest in OZ.  

Do you have a big sphere?

Welcome Simon, I will try to summon the Oz of Atlanta for you, (LOL)@J.

Going forward you could consider a shift to using business credit for everything in your professional or REI sphere(s). 

@Jasmine Williams - If you want to understand a better way of using your sphere to generate business without excess costs, read The 7 Levels of Communication by Michael Maher.

When's the last time gold was $600/oz or gas was .99$/gallon? 

I clearly misunderstood OZ!