I have heard on different podcasts that one of the best introductory ways to get started learning REI and potentially getting a mentor is to offer your services.

I am from the Southside of Chicago and I am just starting to learn about real estate.

Welcome, this is a great spot to learn and meet clients!

I'm learning as much as I can and currently in the "i'll never be able to do this" phase (but giving myself a pep talk out of it!) 

@JT ThomsonEncourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I’ll be interested to learn if one can retroactively get bonus depreciation. 

Once you get started, you can learn more and get hands on experience.

I have been managing all the subs: I have some learning lessons - and do have all the numbers in our excel sheet. 

But I quickly learned there's a huge value (and no substitute) in working with a mentor that's been through it all before.You may be able to find a local investor to help you through this deal, but that could take more time than you can afford.

I've since found it to be an awesome source for networking and learning.