So yes, they can absolutely start without a course or a mentor or a guru, and I also strongly agree with you that a quality deal is forgiving in the long run even if you overpay a little or get some estimate wrong.  

I did Eddie Speed’ Note School training online, but at a cost of $72K for 2 years of supported access to his mutual fund of Notes, I can’t get beyond the sticker shock of Eddie’s mentoring program, but would love to do more DOT/Note deals if I can find them.

Was I too close to the mentor and presented competition?

One of my mentors put me in connection with a colleague of his who is selling a quarter of his portfolio due to retirement.

What was your favorite session at BPCON this year? 

Breakout sessions- excellent.

I am looking to invest out of state into small multi family and would like to build relationships with mentors and investors alike.

It's about being a person great mentors want to help!

Quote from @Peter Gulati: If you are near Houston, TWA is going to have a teen session this month for 4hrs. 

@Brett RichardsonI never had a coach but I’ve had several mentors who I worked for or partnered with.