Getting into my first deal has been challenging, but I'm forging ahead.  

I know my journey will probably be long and hard but I haven't felt this passionate about anything like this in my life, so I'm ready for the challenges and rewards. 

I'm excited about the challenges to come and the stories to tell.

Good luck getting into this challenging but exciting market!

I did try to challenge a higher reassessment this year on two of my properties and they just said that if I paid x amount, the properties must have been worth it and assessments should reflect that. 

Sounds like you have great conviction in the cause, that will help you out when you hit any challenges or bumps in the road.

Through this I would also hope to gain a mentor for when I begin to engage myself into my own real estate ventures.

Yes, more challenging to find value but the trend is still solid in TX markets.I would do the following:1) Education - read up on MF investing (books, BP podcasts focused on apts, MF forums, etc).  

I have other loan officers challenge me on this all the time.

After listening to a few episodes (currently on ep. 15), I decided to sign up for the site to get engaged with the experts.About me: I was born and still live in Southeast Michigan; more specifically in Oakland/Macomb County area.