Maybe if you were to phrase this as I have "BLANK" (weather it be free time or man power) to help any experienced investor doing "BLANK" (whatever it is you want to learn) you would have a solid shot at finding a mentor in your area that is already doing what it is that you want to learn.

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Hello All - I live in Los Angeles and I have done some investing in real estate previously (a direct investment in a duplex and also LP interests in ventures focused on acquiring properties for conversion to work-live lofts).  

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Conversely, if it takes 10 years to pay for itself through the increased cash flow, then it will increase the value by the cost of the improvement only, and it probably isn't worth doing.

Wouldn't a larger brokerage have more power to get me clients in that new starting period?

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