You don't hire someone and walk away - you stay engaged and hold them accountable. 

Share informative content, engage with potential clients, and join relevant groups to expand your network.Partner with Real Estate Professionals: Collaborate with real estate agents, brokers, and mortgage lenders to offer your services as part of their package.

Hiring Professionals: Depending on the complexity of the renovation, you may need to engage various professionals such as architects, interior designers, contractors, electricians, plumbers, and painters.

You arent engaged in unlicensed brokering because you are a party to the original contract.

An investor should do their diligence before engaging in a process that will just waste everyone's time.

Do I need to engage with an architect for the same ?

- This allows me to engage with their network.What have you read that I should read?

If he was this difficult right out of the gate, would you want to potentially engage in a deal with him? 

Engage on these forums, use keywords for local areas/markets you are interested in, etc., and continue to network with everyone you can. 

You need someone that clicks with you personally before engaging in a mentor/mentee relationship with the dedication and stress that may be involved.Where to find a mentorStart by looking within your existing network.