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Posted almost 10 years ago

How Do I Find a Mentor?

It is a Common Question on Bigger Pockets

How Do I Find a Mentor?

One theme that comes up regularly on Bigger Pockets is new investors wanting to know how to find a mentor. It's a common question because it is often recommended here on Bigger Pockets that newbies get a Mentor.


So How do you find a mentor?

1) You can pay for a mentor

2) Just ask for help

3) Make the effort to network

4) Offer value in return

Should I pay for a Mentor?

Sure But Watch Out For the Sharks

In this in the real estate business there lots of paid coaches, or Gurus, out there that call themselves a mentor or have a mentoring program. There is nothing wrong with paying for a coach. I have spent a LOT OF MONEY on seminars, books, CDs, courses, boot camps, and coaching. I have learned a ton from these investments. The knowledge I gained has helped me earn a good chunk of money.

Yet I and many here on Bigger Pockets are somewhat anti-Guru. This is because today there are so many expensive real estate coaches that over promise and under deliver. Most of these coaches are not real estate people. They are information marketers. They make their money selling information. There is nothing wrong with that, if it is good information at a fair price.

Today there are hundreds of new names rehashing others materials and they have no depth of knowledge. Often the same misinformation is spread from Guru to Guru to unsuspecting student. I will wrap up about paid coaches by giving you Ned’s Rule of Real Estate Gurus. The value of a real estate investing course is often inversely proportional to the price. In other words some of the best material is the cheapest.

So How Does One Find a Mentor?

It's pretty simple just ask!

Anyone who reads the Bigger Pockets Forums sees very quickly that there are many, many investors here ready to help anyone at all levels. I try to be generous and sharing with my information. I do this not only here on Bigger Pockets but sometimes on my own Baltimore Real Estate Investing blog, at local club meetings, or just with investors I meet on the street. You can be sure that is not unique to me. Given how much time experienced investors give here on Bigger Pockets, they are clearly many willing to share.

If It Is That Easy, Why Do So Few Find a Mentor?

Most Never Ask

I often greet new members here and respond to their introduction posts

Many times I will privately answer a specific question and even give my phone number and say that they're welcome to follow up and contact me by phone or email. Particularly if someone's in my market I'll make this offer.

Surprisingly however very few follow-up. Considering how many people I've offered my phone number to, and how many people are saying "I can't find a mentor", I'm really surprised how little follow-up there is. Of course there will be one or two posts back-and-forth, or perhaps a private polite hello or thank you. However persistent follow up is rare

What Doesn't Work?

Waiting for a Mentor to Appear.

You need to understand how finding a mentor works. Nobody is going to walk up to you and say hey "I'm looking for some new investor to mentor" or "I want to help you become successful. I want to give back. It will make me feel good." In fact if you do hear that approach, RUN!

Asking someone you don't know.

I regularly see posts here on Bigger Pockets asking for a mentor. These are often the first post a member makes here. One of the moderators here J Scott posted:

you're essentially asking a stranger to:
- Devote a significant amount of time to you
- Train you to potentially become their competitor
I don't know too many people who would do that for a perfect stranger for nothing in return. So, instead, I would suggest one of two things:
1. Offer something in return
2. Get to know someone first before asking them to mentor you so that they have a personal incentive

Regarding J Scott's (J's Website) point #2 above. People are more likely to invest time in you, if they see you have already invested some time and effort.

You may want to skip the word "Mentor"

As J Scott says above, asking for someone to "Mentor" you implies a responsibility. Even a stranger may be willing to help. Even the most generous friend may not want to make a time and responsibility commitment of being a "Mentor"

Remember the goal is to find someone to help and guide you. The name put on that relationship is unimportant. In fact that relationship doesn't have to have a name.

How it Works, Use Networking & Persistence

You must follow up

No it doesn't happen that way at all. You have got to make the effort.

It's just good old fashioned networking. Talk to people at club meetings or stop when you see a property being rehabbed. Communicate via the internet and social sites. When you find someone willing to share, take the next step. Ask to take them to lunch or perhaps ask if you can visit their rehab in progress.

If you do that enough times, you will learn what you need to know, and develop the relationships that will help build your business. Some people may never find one key mentor. Having multiple relationships that add value in many various areas is just as good. If you find that key partner or Mentor/Mentee relationship so much the better.

An Example of it Working

My Experience

I did have one fellow follow-up, Mike. Mike is a young man and was new to real estate investing. He was out of town but asked if I could go look at a lead he had. Perhaps we could partner on it. He made an appointment for me to go look at the property. We followed up with a meeting at a coffee shop.

The deal went nowhere, however he did persist and our coffee shop meetings continued. Ultimately this young man has become my full-time business partner and we're growing quite the business together. This has been a true win-win situation. Well at least I know I'm winning. I hope that he feels he's winning, from my experience and knowledge. I know I have gained a valuable partner, someone who's turned out to be an outstanding negotiator, who's a fast learner, who is creative, and most importantly he takes action.

Having a partner like Mike, who is very good actually getting things done, has been a tremendous value to me. We've been able to do some phenomenal deals together

The point is Mike has me as a partner and mentor for one reason, he asked. He made the effort to get in touch and keep in touch.

Why Would Someone Mentor Me?

Because You Can Offer Value to Your Mentor

I wonder how many people that have been offered help on Bigger Pockets have thought "Wouldn't it be great to have a mentor like that guy?" At the very same time they never realized the person offering help was thinking "Wouldn't it be great if I could find some aggressive eager investor to help me with my business?"

I'm guessing I'm somewhat of a mentor to my partner Mike, however I don't view myself as a mentor I just look at us as partners. Mike has been a tremendous benefit to me. I'm glad he came to me. I'm glad he made a point of pushing to get together for coffee. He picked the time, he picked the date, and he made it happen. Honestly if he left it to me, it probably wouldn't have happened.

I'm New What Can I offer?

You have Something to Offer. You Just Need To Find It

It's amazing how common it is for people undervalue what they offer and can bring To the table. I'm in a national coaching group with a lot of very successful people. Even among these very successful people, they often undervalue what they can offer.

My point here is simple. Even though you may not feel you have much to offer, you probably have a lot to offer. You just haven't learned to recognize it yet.

Everybody has some kind of resources. Everybody has knowledge in at least one particular area. You may not be an expert in real estate but maybe you know something about finance, or numbers, or marketing, or have great people skills. It might be as simple as you are a good employee and you're good at following directions.

Your resources may include contacts, people that have money, or friends that have excellent credit. You may have a high-paying job and/or excellent credit yourself. Perhaps you have no money, no knowledge, no real estate skills, but you do have time. There are plenty of low skill jobs in this business. You can help with the grunt work as you are learning. There a lot of different ways you can help your mentor and add value.

The most successful people, are successful because they leverage Other Peoples Resources. You can be a resource for your mentor.

Be Like Nike

Just Do It

So reach out to people. Network with other investors. Use Bigger Pockets as tool to network. Recognize what you can offer others. Follow up and make it happen.

Happy Investing - Ned Carey


Comments (138)

  1. valuable information in this post! Thank you so much for sharing this with us Ned. 


  2. Thanks for the post Ned. I've been recently looking for a mentor myself and wondering how to go about it. Your approach makes a lot of sense so I'm writing notes down to internalize it and try it out. Especially now that I just moved to a new city. 


  3. Thanks for doing this article. I have a hard time paying the nationally famous Guru. I don't think that they have your best interest at heart. They are trying to sell another book or a seminar to grow their bank account. But that does not mean that if you find a local one on one mentor that I expect that person take time outof their day and not be compensated for it. 

    Just my humble opinion.


  4. I'm very glad, i came across this post. Gave me good insights on how to start my REI journey. Thanks @Ned Carey


    1. Glad you liked it Kofo. And thank you for saying so. It is always nice to hear when people appreciate what I write. 


  5. Great advice, @Ned Carey

    As a newer investment myself (I was foolish and sold my first property that I was making a profit on since I didn't know what I was doing), I'm looking for a mentor now to help me grow my business and hopefully partner with. I'll keep up the search and learn as much as I can in the process!


    1. Scott,

      Thanks for the comment. 

      Yes keep learning and keep networking. You learn so much just by being out in the market. that is where you are going to meet a mentor, out on the street, not sitting behind a computer. 

      Ned


  6. Thanks Ned for you great article!

    Best,

    John


    1. @John Lee thanks for reading. It's nice to know people are still finding value in this years after I wrote it.


  7. Ned Carey is great! your always head on , to the point!


  8.   @Ned Carey  Thanks for the great post ! ! !  

      @Brian Gibbons included the link in a response to a question on 2/16/17 Titled "New Investor Seeking Coach"

      Both you Guys ROCK  ! ! !

      Thanks  ! ! !


  9. Really great post! 


  10. Thats what exactly that was my major concern, I believe this time around am getting a Mentor


  11. I am occasionally approached by a new investor asking if they can shadow me through a typical day. Im like a typical day is me answering phone calls and emails...not exactly the most exciting stuff to watch.


    1. Hey Russel,

      I am just noticing this reply now. LOL.  I feel the say way. Most of my time is unplanned, I do what needs to be done at the moment. Knowing a day or three ahead what is a good day to shadow me is pretty hard to guess.


  12. Great insight here @Ned Carey! How you came to have your business partner is inspiring. You had a potential one time deal that didn't happen but the simple(not so simple to some) fact that the guy followed up with you and showed drive and initiative to keep coming to meetings allowed you both to benefit from networking in another probably more beneficial way. This gives me more motivation to start looking at networking from different perspectives. Thanks.


  13. This is a great article.  I was looking for a mentor relationship or so I thought.  This article showed me I am looking for a partner who has resources that I don't have.  Thank you for sharing.


  14. Another masterpiece from Mr. @Ned Carey !


  15. @Ann Linnelli , Thank you for the comment. I hope you found it useful. 


  16. thanks for this post which keeps going 2 years later!


  17. @John C.  welcome to BP and thanks for the comment.


  18. Thank you @Ned Carey for this article!  I'll tag you in my upcoming post as I implement your suggestions!

    John


  19. Good stuff! Those are things I've experienced. I guess I just don't have the best of luck for lack of better words. I've done the majority of that stuff and haven't found a good situation just yet. The thing about paying people in advance/monthly is that I don't know what I'm paying for if I haven't come across any issues where advice and guidance would be given. That's based on mentor oppt I've come across. Splitting deals is my preference. 

    I found it hard to build relationships to get to a mentoring situation if you're not in the same places, events, or circles on a frequent basis so that you can interact and I do attend local REIA meetings, etc. I have asked at least once..what can I help you with/do for you-no response, so I guess nothing...lol. I don't show up at events that people advertise they're going to attend because that seems a little weird to me.

    I think it's getting that good foundation of all the ins and outs that people need to step through the processes correctly that will get them going and then they can just interact with sites like BP and ask people questions based on small concerns that they have.

    Although I don't have a mentor, I feel like I'm in a much better place than last year even though it's just January. I took action and I'm praying for the best. I figured, what the heck, if I mess up then I mess up. Live and learn.


    1. @Katrina Prather  I thin k you are realizing you do not NEED a mentor to move forward. They are great if you have one, but mentors will come and go in your life.  You can learn much of what you need here on BP

      You will find as you build a  base of knowledge someone will be more likely to mentor you. I can tell you that the attitude of many experienced investors is, "if you are not willing to learn at lest some very basic stuff on your own., you probably don't have enough determination to make it with my help" Good luck


      1. Hello Ned,

        I'm very new to the world of wholesaling, pretty much decided that out of all the arenas in RE investing, wholesaling is what I'm most interested in. I've been reading everything I can get my hands on regarding wholesaling and I'm anxious to take the plunge but, I'm looking for a mentor here in Austin, TX. I was encouraged by the advice you gave to newbies who feel they may have nothing to offer. I'm a big research junkie and would put in the time necessary to find good deals and split with a mentor in exchange for their valuable time, that's what I have to offer.  Thank you so much for this post and the encouragement to move forward with or without a mentor.

        Maxine


      2. @Maxine Hough  thank you for your comment, I take it as a compliment. 

        Don't wait for a mentor to get started. You can start looking at and evaluating deals NOW. The better you know your market the easier this becomes. Along the way, looking at deals you may bump into the perfect mentor. 

        Good luck,

        Ned


  20. @Queenie Queen, @Carla Patterson , @Gary Dashney  and @Curtis Merrick  thanks for your comments. 


  21. This was great!

    As a new investor who almost paid for a guru "mentorship" program, (glad I didn't so far) this is advice that seems so obvious once it's out there and yet so few people realize it. I need to do a better job at asking people to help me and knowing what I can offer in return.
    First step, ask.
    Second step, ask again.

    Can't think of a better way to increase your network!


  22. @Ned Carey I found found your *rule* to be quite true indeed!

    Ned’s Rule of Real Estate Gurus. The value of a real estate investing course is often inversely proportional to the price. In other words some of the best material is the cheapest.

    Thanks for the blog post, very useful!


  23. Hi Everyone, I'm Carla and I'm very new to the investing side of the industry. I have a great deal of experience in property management. I'm glad that I read this article, however, I wish I would have read it before breaking one of your cardinal sins. That faux pas, I hope, has not ruined my chances of learning valuable information. This article really put things into perspective. Although you know how it goes when you want to go full throttle into a business venture.

  24. Thanks for this post, It's very informative..


  25. @Andrew Zimmerman  it has been my experience that the more someone emphasizes the moral reasons to do business with them the less moral they are.


  26. "I want to give back. It will make me feel good." In fact if you do hear that approach, RUN!" Haha. "I'm from the Government and I'm here to help."


  27. Thanks Daniel DiGiacomo. I wrote it because the question came up so often.


  28. Ned Carey, this was a great read! Thanks!


  29. Account Closed glad to hear that even the spammers like my post Kyara Gray yes there are a ton here from baltimore. You can often find me at the BWI meetup or the Monday 12:00 investor lunches and Spirits west on wilkens ave. Marie Tolentino thank you for the comment and the compliment Richard Paton That is the way to do it. get active here and connect with other members


  30. Thanks for the great and positive info. Just join, and can't seem to stop reading! I also saw a fellow member that I meet at a local convention back in March, He was the headline speaker! I sent a follow request.


  31. Super warm hearted guru you are Ned.. I felt a lot better from scared to confident to pursue my real estate wholesaling investing learning process.. I salute!!! Good tips and techniques to find people who is willing to share some thoughts, expertise but don't forget to share to and not to receive only attitude!!


  32. Great post Ned! We recently relocated from Hartford, CT to Baltimore to be closer to family/friends (just had a baby!). We have a 3 family in Hartford, 1 property in Baltimore and have another under contract to wholesale. We started in real estate about a 1.5 ago and now that we're settled with the baby, we're ready to ramp up the business and shift our focus from rentals to rehabs. Switching markets can be a challenge so having a mentor is key to success. Your article hit the nail on the head regarding the importance of your approach and networking. Hopefully our paths continue to cross as we expand our business and network in Baltimore. Glad to see BiggerPockets has a strong Baltimore following!


  33. Thanks For for sharing like this informative post. This post is very useful for all real estate investors.


  34. Frank, Thanks for the comment. While a mentor can be very helpful, don't wait on a mentor to start moving forward. If you have marketing experience that are lots of investors who can use help in that area. Good luck - Ned


  35. Thanks for putting this together Ned ....Finding a mentor was high on my list and one of the first items on my agenda after signing up for BP. I just signed up yesterday and I'm really impressed by the level of engagement on here. You made a great point and one I was thinking quite frankly. I studied Online Marketing for the past 2 years and have had some small successes. I just launched a podcast and can help people set up a podcast/blog. Someone may find that helpful. Thanks again


  36. Thanks Ned.


  37. Ij O. I'll help however I can - Ned


  38. Thanks Ned. I know I will be coming to you when am ready to invest in Baltimore. IJ


  39. Michael W. That is a start. Networking is the best way. You can meet investors an real estate groups, auctions, or even stop in at a property being rehabbed. Talk to those you meet and if you connect offer to take them to lunch. Good luck - Ned


  40. Hi again Ned, I just read your answer to Doni Healy, and I am going to the MarketPlace forum to place my request for a mentor and financial help. Thanks again, you are a great resource for information!


  41. Ned, this is really great stuff. I've been scouring the Internet trying to figure out the best way to get my foot in the door in the Baltimore/DC market and for someone with no experience, it's a bit tough on your own. It also never occurred to me until reading your article that my years of experience as a property manager would come in useful and probably be a great asset to a mentor. I'd be very grateful to speak with you if you could spare a little time. I'm going to try and email you but I'm new here so I'm not sure that's an option.


    1. Marc, everyone started with no experience. You gain experience by doing. Feel free to send me a PM or colleague request.


  42. Thanks Mark Updegraff, That does sound good maybe I should reread it :-) I am not near as good at leveraging other people as I should be. Thanks for the comment.


  43. Great post Ned! I especially like this line: "The most successful people, are successful because they leverage Other Peoples Resources. You can be a resource for your mentor." Well written! Mark


  44. Brian Gibbons very well said. Brad Gustafson Thank you for the comment. I take that as a compliment. It is very common for people to take for granted what they offer when they want something else.


  45. Thank you Ned for giving me confidence to ask for a mentor. I realize that I can bring a lot to the table for the right person. I realize that if I put all my talents together I would make a good Project Manager. Just gotta get out there, network, and just do it.


  46. @Ned Carey this is great. I mentor people in the area of Wholesaling, Owner Financing, Lease Options, and Private Money - JV Partnership Marketing. I try not to get involved with costing rehabs. I am cautious of "mentees" (is that a word?) quitting their job too early and wanting results quickly. I have had many people pay over $25,000 and have said I teach them more actionable skills than they were taught. Small business skills are learned over time: Sales, Marketing, Negotiation, Promotion, Bookeeping, Hiring and DOL regs, Networking, Referral Prospecting, Cold Prospecting, etc. Then real estate investing needs info on legal contracts, property inspection, valuation of property, city building codes and violations, title education, BK Ch 7 and 13, divorce, probate, etc. The starting skills are talking to sellers, and getting a letter of intent, then offering win win arrangements. Some do well at that, others have trouble. I find this is a critical skill, if you can do this skill well, you can get started. That is my opinion, and I know other folks have different ideas. I have rune 4 small businesses in finance and insurance, so that comes in handy. I thought I would just ask any new REI this: What are you REALLY willing to do, or willing to give up, to learn this business well? Nice food for thought there. And I am going to add this... (I posted this over 5 years ago on my BP Blog, and it is still there! --------------- I have this taped to my my office wall: Our Credo as Real Estate Investors: I am a Real Estate Investor. Of all of the occupations I have tried, researched, pondered, and read about over the years, there is none which compares to mine. My work is fun. I take ugly houses and make them beautiful. I help people out of difficult situations. I am a Real Estate Investor. I am my own boss. I often work in my pajamas from the comfort of my home. I have no employees to baby sit, no perishable inventory to move, no franchise fees to pay, and no store to maintain. Still, I am in the top 5% of all income earners. I am a Real Estate Investor. I now enjoy freedoms I’ve never had before. I am the master of my day. I choose who to work with. I choose my hours, and I decide if I will work 20 hours or 40 hours this week. I can also choose to take the day off, without obtaining anyone’s permission. I can take a month-long vacation. I can sleep in, or take a power nap after lunch if I want. I can review my notes and return my calls while lounging in my jacuzzi. I no longer have to commute during rush hour. I have the freedom to spend lots of time with my wife and child/children. I do not have the stress and pressure of needing to close my next deal by the end of the week, by the end of this month, or even by the end of this year. I live in one of the nicest neighborhoods, in one of the most beautiful states, in the best country that has ever existed on this Earth. I am a Real Estate Investor. There are many who ‘want’ to be like me; many who are ‘studying’ to be like me; and many more who would be like me, but are just waiting for ‘this opportunity to appear’ or ‘that circumstance to change’… At the end of the day, very few actually are like me. I have been very fortunate and blessed. I am finally living my dream. I love doing what I do, and I would not trade places with anyone, nor trade my life experiences for anyone else’s. I am driven by the belief that life is short, and we need to ‘make a difference’ in the short time that we’re here, because after all is said and done, it’s really not about ‘us.’ I am a Real Estate Investor.


  47. Mike Hsu thank you Mike Bryan L. That is a great offer. I hope you find someone to take you up on it.


  48. Great article. I would gladly mentor someone for free, if they were local to me in Middle TN and were ready, willing, and able to put their feet on the street and help me find some great deals.


  49. I just read this and thought it was a great write up Ned. Ned offered me his phone number and I was able to speak with him during the middle of the work day. It made me realize how many people on the forum are willing to help!


  50. Thank you Mariza Dysiong It means a lot to me that you took the time to comment. Your profile doesn't sound like you are a newbie. You seem to have a lot of credentials.


  51. Thank you for this wonderful insight. This means a lot to us newbies !


  52. nice thank you.


  53. Billy Hills, certainly a mentor can be a long distance kind of thing. That may not be the best but it can help. You will find many people have a scarcity mentality and do not want to share or help. However there are those that believe in paying it forward and that you get more when you give more. You just have to find someone of the later type. Good luck - Ned


  54. excellent post. very down to earth and easy to read. one question, is distance between newbie and mentor a issues? besides the norms that each area is different, if you see some one that is doing what want to do. and there is nobody local? would this be unheard of? I have spent a considerable amount of time looking and talking, and asking around here: how ever the ones that are doing don't want to talk, And the ones that are not. only want to talk!!!


  55. Ned Carey thanks for the great information.


  56. Ned Carey Thanks for the great content.


  57. Denise Gabbard Thanks for the comment. Yes this site is amazing. There are so many here wiling to share. Daniel Root being proactive is key to success in all aspects of this business.


  58. Great article Ned! This has motivated me to be more proactive in my search for a mentor already. Lots of good points that need to be shared with all new investors who need guidance.


  59. All good points in this post-- yes, we all have something to offer, and I love the idea of learning from a number of people. That is why I like this site so much :)


  60. Doni Healy your mentor request and your deal will get more visibility in the "MarketPlace Forum" (that is the only place mentor requests and deal funding are allowed) Also network with members here and in your local area.


  61. ok. I found an apartment building at a great price. Owner will do 2nd mortgage. Now I need some financing. Who wants to partner up or lend money. Wow! Things are moving fast today. Thank you, Doni


  62. Ok. Anyone out there in the nortj Atlanta area want to be a mentor to a 71 year old lady who is sharp and ready.What I have to offer: I have been in and out of real estate for some time. I know how to buy and sell mobile homes and mobile home parks. I will do grunt work to. I can type reports or offers for you. My problem is lack of funds. You can email me and I will send you my phone number. [email protected] Thank you. Doni


  63. Doni Healy I am a big believer in spending money on my education. But today with this site, you tube videos etc the value of courses has become less important. (and many weren't that valuable to start)


  64. Ned and all others that answered my post. Thank you so much for helping me with the great advice you each gave me. I will be following up on this. You are so right. I don't need to buy an expensive course that I really can't afford. I am on a fixed income and am a 71 year old widow. I have been in and out of real estate most of my life and now I really need to supplement my income. So, thank you so much. this is a great site to go to for answers. I love this site. Doni Healy


  65. Kevin Doherty Glad you liked it. Taking action is what gets results. Sometimes you have to keep taking action long enough to get those results. I saw you forum post. If that doesn't get the results you want keep trying.


  66. Thanks for the great info, Ned. I've already put some of it in to action. Kevin


  67. Stephen Akindona, one of Dale Carnegie's principals is, everyone wants to feel important. People like to talk about themselves. Asking someone about what they do and how they do it, is like giving them a compliment.


  68. Great post!!! I will definitely be thinking about how I can add value to other investors and I will be persistent! Good to hear from someone more experienced letting us newbies know that asking for help is okay!


  69. Great article Ned Carey! Actions speak louder than words holds true in everything.


  70. You're Welcome Marc Pfleger and thank you for the comment. It's nice to hear not only that someone liked reading it, but actually put it in practice and got a benefit from it.


  71. This is great content, I felt lost going into my meeting with my mentor/business partner but after reading this I felt confident. I ended up having a productive meeting and feel I have a made this oh so valuable connection. Thanks Ned! just another reason to love BP!


  72. Victor Etongwe Glad to help. Thanks for the tax lien referrals I'll help them however I can.


  73. Ned Carey Thanks for the post. This is an are where I have been lagging, but reading yours and the other members post has been mentorship in itself. I've actually recommended you to a few other newbies looking for information on tax sales. Thanks for all you provide!


  74. Melissa Alberto Thank you for the compliment. Good luck in your investing


  75. Great blog Ned, thanks for reaching out and pointing me in the right direction! I truly appreciate it!!


  76. Great information Ned. Getting in touch and keeping in touch seems to mimic the same action of getting into RE. You must be proactive. Thanks for the information.


  77. Awesome piece Ned. No longer a newbie investor but my takeaway was ASK, ASK, ASK! What's the worst that can happen? We've ALL been hearing NO.. Since our childhood. Maybe it's time (as adults) to get YES especially in this recovering economic climate which can positively impact ones retirement decisions of travel or don't travel, pay off debt or work until age 90? Blog posts that keeps your brains going is well worth reading and sharing. Be well.


  78. Great post Ned this is definitely a good read and a lot of useful info, thanks for directing me to it Just ASK that is my motto = A-lways S-eeking K-nowledge


  79. Thanks for the info Ned.. I guess I'm on the right track because I will ask...


  80. Thanks for the information Ned! good post!


  81. Patrick Jackson Thanks for comment. I take it as a compliment Terence Haney Thank you too. I see you are new here so welcome to BP and good luck on your investing.


  82. nice post!


  83. Ned Carey this is a great post. Many people are afraid and don't know their next move. This will motivate many people to take action.


  84. Deborah Saddler, Donna Boyeff, Dan N. Thanks for reading and commenting Ben Leybovich I be we agree more than we disagree. You do see the part where I have spent a ton of money on courses and coaches right? Jennifer Kudia "I am having a bit of analysis paralysis in the meantime." I think a lot of people get stuck there often becuase the next step is not clear. Sometimes the answer is more analysis, or actually simply looking at more deals. You get to a point when you have looked at so many deals when a really good one comes along it is obviously great. You then have the confidence to act. Junior Salters one foot after the other. It starts with he first step and continues with the second. One day you turn around and realize how far you have come.


  85. Great post Ned Carey! Insightful and definitely what I needed to read. I like the Nike reference coming from a basketball background "Just Do It". Sometimes your toughest step is that first foot forward!!


  86. Hi Ned. Great post. Excellent information for a new investor who isn't quite sure how to go about reaching out to someone who could offer help, guidance, and information. I am confident I can find someone in the Chicago area who would like to exchange their resources for my Time, because I do have a lot of it, and it's something valuable I could offer. I recently upgraded to the BiggerPockets PRO Membership, so I'm preparing to reach out to mentors in the Chicago area. I will be writing blog posts to update members about every step of my journey, but it seems I am having a bit of analysis paralysis in the meantime. There are so many options, including WHERE I want to even begin investing. I will continue to read the threads to educate myself, as well as do my own research on possible locations I'd like to stick with for a while. Also - Thank You to all of BiggerPockets for the wealth of information provided!


  87. Ned, this is really good. NOt sure if I completely agree, but you've made me think.


  88. Thanks, this was very helpful.


  89. As a newbie, I must say excellent info. Being new I find myself bogged down by "analysis paralysis". Thank you for validating what I was kind of thinking my self. It was very much needed. I especially loved the closing... "Just do it". I found a local investment club meeting to go to and I'm just going to do it, I'm going to go. Thanks Ned Carey.


  90. Great advice Ned, I look forward to learning the value in the information. I am looking for a Mentor in my area, and I almost paid for one of the Guru Mentor system, but decided not to, due to cost and wondering if he was the right one? I have since start looking for a mentor in my local area, and or someone that is willing to help me. I will connect with you as a colleague, you are a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to hearing more post, replies, and contacting you if I have more questions. Thanks


  91. You are Welcome Jiana Bickham, Thanks for reading and commenting.


  92. Ned Carey, thanks for directing me to this post. Very informative and it made me think of things that I could offer a mentor that I had not realized before. Great post!


  93. Dawn A. Exactly, We often expect people to be pushy in business. "pushy salesperson" is an example we all disdain. Nobody wants to be that "pushy salesperson so we often over correct. Thanks for reading and commenting.


  94. I completely agree with you on the "most never ask". I think many people don't want to be a bother. But, you won't know if someone is willing to help you unless you ask.


  95. Marc Cesar, Coire Kyle, Tevis Verrett, Brad Cunningham thank you all for the comments. I am glad you find it helpful.


  96. Thanks for the information in this post. As a newbie I will be looking for some mentorship and this article really brought to the surface some pitfalls for me to avoid and some solid advice on making and keeping solid network connections.


  97. Ned Carey You are one of the very good guys! Tevis


  98. Like those above me I agree this is really good stuff. Not knowing how to find a mentor has certainly been one of the things holding me back from getting involved in investing sooner. Hopefully I will find one soon to work with one on one but if not there is always the forums! Cheers, CK


  99. Ned Carey I would love to sit down sometime soon and pick your brain. I will email you shortly. Yes owning four other properties sounds nice but the work was already done for me and was functioning before I got it because they were "inherited". I want to start from scratch and to do that I must learn the numbers game. I cannot wait to meet you if you're open to it!


  100. thanks for the email Ned and i must say reading this has been tremendously helpful and truly insightful. I will definitely take your suggestions and apply them to finding a mentor that will help me in my business. If we weren't miles away i would of sought your help. Hopefully I can ask you some tips and get some assistance via email or phone if possible since I am in the beginning stages of REI.


  101. Chris Bynion, Alisha Scott, Eric Lundberg Thanks for your comments. Benaiah Grimes You need to know how to run the numbers. There are a lot of hidden costs in real estate and you need to know what they are so don't overestimate the cash flow or the value of a deal. You should have a head start becuase of you other properties. If you don't know, learn what an APOD is and how to use it. Good lulck - Ned


  102. Ned Carey I do feel that mentorship is beneficial since I am considered a newbie. I just really want to make sure I can prevent as many issues as possible. What is the number one evaluation skill I should possess when looking for potential multiunits?


  103. Cool post Ned- I see so many people come into the MilwaukeeREIA after they've already spent there last pennies on some traveling guru calling themselves a mentor... I wish they would have read your post first!


  104. Right on point Ned, this is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much, it has lit a bulb & Im now ready for take off!


  105. Great post. As a newbie I really appreciate this information!


  106. Oh that would definately be a good topic! I'll jump right on that. (Once I figure out how to do it) :)


  107. Thanks Ezinwanne Hawkins and Steven E. James Neff " never put much thought or action into it other than depositing the check each month and watching my wife spend it! :) " You could write a course for landlords on how to manage expenses by managing your wife :-)


  108. Ah, found your post Ned. Thanks for the PM about it. I had to do a little searching on my own, but it was worth the read! Realizing that I may have something to offer never really crossed my mind, but in reality, I may have some small knowledge. I've been a landlord for 5 years, but never put much thought or action into it other than depositing the check each month and watching my wife spend it! :) I know I have alot to learn about the ins and outs but at least I now have the drive to put forth an effort!


  109. Good article! Thanks for the information.


  110. @Ned Carey - another awesome post. I'm looking forward to learning as much as I can from you, and all the other "anti-guru" REI gurus on BP :)


  111. @Ned Carey so true. One foot in front of the other and were gonna get there! Just got to keep going


  112. Al Williamson, Thanks Al. You always have nice things to say. Gary Clark thanks for the comment. A mentor is great but don't wait for a mentor to get started.


  113. Thanks for the post Ned. It may be exactly what I need to hear. I read a lot and learn theory but a mentor would really help putting it into practice. Thanks for the motivation.


  114. @ned, the comments from my BP family says it all, but I want to add to them. Greatly appreciate your post. It's a kick in the butt. Ouch! I mean "thanks."


  115. Derek Martin thank you for your comment. It is exciting to hear others success stories. Hopefully we will be reading your soon. - Ned


    1. Thank you guys. I feel at home in this community of thinkers and doers.


  116. This is good stuff. Its hard to think the ball is in my court when I am just taking the first step but it really is. Its exciting to know that the success stories out there actually desire to pass on their knowledge. Thanks for the boost in the right direction!


  117. " how am I going to find a mentor without spending another $25k" Lorene Fleming hey if I just saved you $25K you own me big time! :-) Seriously I appreciate the comments and take them as a compliment. Thanks Seth Williams MIKE PURCELL yes action is a key. Hmmm, there an idea for another post. Thank you Carolina E. I have had several people I consider mentors.


  118. Great article. I mainly like the point you made about some people never finding just one mentor. It encourages us to realize that you don't have to worry if you don't find that one mentor. That it is always helpful to know many people, and to stop having tunnel vision. Tunnel vision may cause many to not take action since they are always looking for that one mentor.


  119. Good stuff, again I hear the action word, wow that seems to the solution to a lot problems.


  120. Awesome content here Ned. This is some really important info, thanks for putting this together. I will refer people back to this post as well.


  121. I enjoy all the posts I've read on BP, but I felt moved to comment on this one especially. I am fairly new to rei and have been mulling over that very question - how am I going to find a mentor without spending another $25k or more (yes, I did do it once already) and still get the guidance I need, I even googled it - how do I find a good real estate mentor. Anyway, your post makes one think - have I ever just asked? No. I have gone to reia meetings and didn't step out of my comfort zone to network then and ask either. Okay, it is necessary to take ownership of my weaknesses, get out of my own way, and simply start up a conversation and see where we can go with it. Reading all the excellent posts here on BP, and the awesome Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing, is certainly a huge step in the right direction, but will not get any deals done. So, for me - I'm going to follow the steps and advice of all the real estate experts right here, and if I get caught up or unsure, I'll ask my questions here as well and at the same time network to find a mentor or simply a little (or a lot of) guidance. Thanks again for this absolutely spot on post.


  122. Thanks John


  123. Yes, this is great advice, and a well written post. I appreciate that your current business partnership developed through your mentorship. I have recently told an investor friend that I consider him to be my mentor, and I try to pick his brain as much as possible. It takes intentional effort but much more practical than paying a guru, as you said. Through their posts BP members like you mentor an untold number of new investors who are willing to log on, read, engage, and research.


  124. Thank you Brandon. I put a lot of time into it so I glad it came out OK.


    1. Thank you Ned, as soon as I can I will go the REI club here in Salem, OR and ASK for a mentor. I've been there before, but I've missed a few meetings, and have not followed up as I should have. This time I will ask and do better at following up. I feel like I've shot myself in the foot, but that can be healed. I don't have any resources (that I have recognized), but I do have time, so I can offer that, and gain experience and skills. May you be blessed in your endeavors for your willingness to help others.


  125. Excellent post, Ned. Really - this is must-read information for a lot of the new folks at BiggerPockets! Thanks so much for writing this - I'll be pointing people here next time I hear someone ask for a mentor! :)


    1. So glad you recommended this blog post, Brandon Turner! Ned made a bunch of really great points... I feel much more comfortable approaching potential mentors after reading this!


    2. Brandon, you are absolutely right. Being a newbie myself, I found Ned's post very insightful. Becoming a part of this great community was definitely a smart decision. Thanks Ned!