Determine your personal strengths then match that info to the current market.

My vision for results and helping others are some of my positive strengths.

Instead of seeking a mentor I played to my strengths, and am now having my education paid for.My long term goal in REI is to have my own portfolio with at least forty residential properties spread through out the country and some commercial properties in foreign countries (I've been outside the country many times and feel this is essential for me). 

@Jennifer Nguyen 4-plex are considered residential properties and getting them financed directly correlates to your financial strength (income, credit score, etc.). 

Based on the strength of the potential tenants that popped up after we dropped the rent sub $1300, we are convinced that the area is underserved for single family rentals...We are lining up showings for some properties on the MLS right now who's numbers seem to pass the sniff test. 

Personally went this route and it has paid me dividends on my own deals knowing what my strengths and weaknesses are in the labor department.

I don't know what your skills or abilities are, but you need to take an inventory of yourself, what are your strengths?

Here a quick framework to help structure your thinking process hereCustomers: From a business buyer's perspective, I'd look at things from a PM's customer base and the strength of that base. 

Applied psychology, networking, salesmanship are important things that do not come naturally to most engineers.The above are generalizations and your milage may vary, but being able to spot your strengths and weaknesses is a good step in the right direction.

In general, lenders want to see-Skin in the game-Ability to repay the loanTips:Be able to provide as much detail about the deal as you can (budget, property history, rent roll, future performance, etc)Be able to highlight your strengths as a borrower even if you don't have a lot of experienceAlthough Davian, I would advise against taking a loan from anyone who doesn't check your credit.