If you're looking to leverage a mortgage, plan on a 25% down payment for a condo/townhome... the vast majority here are non-warrantable. 

The NAR (National Association of Realtors) then established a partnership with Zillow, and now Zillow hides all the listings of forsalebyowner -- basically fsbo have no visibility whatsoever and the vast majority of buyers who use Zillow simply will never find them.

Navigating the vast world of real estate can be overwhelming, partner, but fear not!

The world of real estate is vast though and the approach that I want to take (lending, commercial, multi-family, single family, etc.) is where I am unsure where to start.

I can now see why a potential mentor wouldn't consider a straight 'deal splitting' arrangement out of the gate, with the HIGH attrition rate (and time and effort commitment, up front...) but this almost universal "pay to play" model only works with people who have the "investment" funds... which ISN'T the VAST majority of those who are likely to DO THE WORK.

And I agree the vast majority of larger investors started with a nice amount of cash or very robust professional type salary.

Running an LTR is vastly different than running an MTR or STR.

But not sure trading 1 job for another is what you are looking for (although 1 may allow more freedom to not have to be in the Library every day). 

https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credi...

The vast majority of people have W2 jobs, subsequently they have absolutely know idea of running a business.