This is genuine problem for you don't have control on these circumstances.

If you are out there talking to people and asking questions and displaying a genuine interest in learning my bet is a mentor will end up finding you.As for investing in a college town and renting to college students that is somewhat a niche market that carries with it its own set of interesting challenges (aka risks) as well as some interesting rewards.Make sure you do lots of reading, ask lots of questions, and talk to lots of people.

With your help, BiggerPockets is transforming the way the world invests.

Moving to a different market has been difficult during this time, so one of my current goals is to find good & genuine people to connect with & see if there’s anywhere I can help out in exchange for experience.

I never have an issue with them in contracts providing you present yourself as a genuine person and don't tell any lies.

I know (or at least I hope) that most of the people on BP are genuine and are not out there to sc*** the new guy but I am also aware that there are predators out there too. 

Once neighbors find out I am there to rehab the eyesore they have been stuck with for the last 10 years or so, they offer me access to tools, their electricity while big repairs are going on and power is out...I even had one neighbor feed my crew lunch because of the transformation that took place over 3 days.That said, I always have work done correctly and by licensed personnel.  

I believe when you genuinely want others to succeed you will reap the best reward as a REI.

:nono: Just kidding . . . maybe we'll do Dick and Rich Part II sometime soon: "As the mortgage meltdown progresses and the economy hits the toilet, Rich transforms back in to Dick"

I moved to Louisville in 2009 and some of the areas that were very blighted at the time (NuLu, Old Louisville, Downtown) have completely transformed from where they were 6 years ago.