There is almost no amount of money that I would trade for my time in college and the 25 years of friendships afterwards with my college friends.And I did learn a lot too...language, math, reading, writing, speech, economics, marketing, accounting, psychology, business law, communication, etc...education that I use every day and continue to build on.There are plenty of affordable colleges where you can learn this stuff efficiently. 

I think of networking the same way I think about building a friendship relationship.

These legal relationships may have to last longer than a friendship.

I developed friendships with local real estate brokers, bankers, and other local investors.

Looking forward to making new partnerships and friendships!

@Tarcizio Goncalves, there is always risk of separation with tenants: divorce, breaking up, ending friendship, etc. 

@Emmanuel Taylor Sam is right, please please don't let the friendship get in the middle of the business transactions.

Don't start a friendship with a lie or even a misdirection.How about, "Sir, I don't mean to be a nuisance. 

Are there potential mentor/friends like minded people can hang out and build friendships and learn from each other

The way you stop people from taking your properties from under you is simply by putting it under a solid contract before letting buyers aware you have a lead.In theory, being their best friend is nice and all but how much is that friend ship worth to them?