Where/how to find a mentor?

Question

Does anyone know where or how to find a mentor? I've heard of investors whose lives have been changed by relationships and mentors they've had.

Personally the help I've had from the people on bigger pockets has been a huge assistance.

I am young(ish) and although I have 7 years experience in real estate investing, I've really just been winging it. It would be my dream to have a pro who has been very successful 'take me under their wing'.

I am working on some really big projects right now and frankly it's scary as I don't know if I'm doing things right or wrong. I would really prefer someone in my own market (Miami) as it's quite a unique investment market.

It's not exactly something you can find on craigslist though, is it.

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Nat

Hattie said it best.  Go to your local REIA meetings and I'm sure you will find a few mentors there.  Don't just take the first one that "volunteers" though.  Get to know that person and their system and program before you just jump into the first option you find.  Think of it as a marriage, and you are dating.  LOL.

Joe VilleneuveREcapSystemA2REIC

J Scott · Answer

What are you willing to provide to a mentor?  Or are you just looking for someone who will spend copious amounts of time teaching you everything they know and give you the opportunity to compete with them in their market, all for nothing in return?

Nat C. · Answer

J Scott, ideally I'd like to be an unpaid personal assistant to a property developer/real estate investor. I would love to be a bird-dog and drive around looking for unlisted properties and development opportunities. Obviously I wouldn't be asking for any commissions. I worked as a personal assistant in a previous life so I'm experienced to undertake a variety of duties. The best way to learn is on the job and I think it would be a win-win situation.

Jerred Morris · Answer

@Nat Chan Add "Miami" to your keyword alert in BP.  Over the next couple of weeks/months watch the posts and see if you can find a local BP member that has a ton of experience and adds value to the community.

Reach out to that person via direct message and see if you can build a relationship by bringing value to the conversation.

Matt Lefebvre · Answer

I'm sure it'd be really interesting to actually post on craigslist that you're looking for a real estate investor to mentor you.  You'd probably get some very... ahh...interesting responses!

Sean Brooks · Answer

@Nat Chan You pose a great question. And you have gotten some good answers from the members.

Your local REIA is definitely a good place to start. Take your time and do your research. Ask for recommendations from people you trust.

You really have 2 routes to go.

1. Find someone willing to "take you under their wing" for free in exchange for work

2. Pay someone

Option #1 is certainly a great option. May be a little bit tougher to find someone to truly pull back all their curtains in their business in exchange for free work/bird dogging. I have done this with some of my students and it never seemed to work out great. They didn't have skin in the game and I couldn't force them to work harder and longer. I had to let them go, and with them went the knowledge I gave them. It wasn't really a win/win.

Option #2: There are a ton of coaches/mentors/consultants out there today! It's over whelming. My advice here is to do your due diligence heavily. Speak to real live people who have gone through their programs. Find someone whose program, and cost, makes sense for you. There are a ton of great programs out there, and I would make sure to research them extensively to make sure they are a good fit for you. OH, and make sure they are still actively investing ;-)

Hope this helps!

Nat C. · Answer

Thanks for the heads up!

Phillip Hunt · Answer

When you go to your Local REIA meeting, be on guard as there will be plenty of people who are only interested in getting rich as fast as they can and will take you for a ride for what ever they can get out of you.  Having said that, there will also be very educated and experienced people that would be willing to help you as much as they can.  You must be able to recognize the difference.

Joe Fairless · Answer

@nat chan

@Nat Chan perhaps find some active brokers and/or property managers in the area and see if you can do an unpaid internship with them. While you're there you'll be able to build relationships with them and people they know in the industry.

Nat C. · Answer

Ashamedly, I didn't even know what a REIA was. I do now and I just found my local one so will be going to the next meeting. Thanks everyone.

Where/how to find a mentor?

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