It's generally the mentee who finds the mentor over time and through personal relationships.

Develop a good working relationship with your local guys, your reputation is everything!  

I would say the answer is, "Yes, if they are in strong financial position and have a good relationship with a bank".

My experience has been that it's better to develop a working relationship with the permitting process than to skirt around it.

My honest answer was I went to "Big Bank" because I have an existing relationship with them so they know me.

The first thing to do in my opinion is attend many, many investor meetings and start to meet people that you can start building relationships with and that that you can trust that are in the business in Detroit.

I hope to form strategic relationships and increase my knowledge through BP to grow some serious wealth!!!  

Part of the issue in this case might also be the team member who has the lifetime relationship with the equity partner's organization.

My aim was to indicate that in both cases, the cities are few hours apart and do not have a city/suburb relationship.

The local REIAs and meetups really help develop relationships that can benefit you over time.