The real estate industry is often depicted as a high-risk, high-reward domain, where timing, strategy, and savvy decision-making determine success. While education and experience play fundamental roles in a real estate professional’s journey, one of the most underrated accelerators of success is mentorship. Whether you’re a novice investor, a new agent, or a budding entrepreneur venturing into real estate development, learning from someone who’s already walked the path can make the difference between struggling in obscurity and thriving with confidence.
David Lawver, investor, explores how mentorship fuels growth in real estate and entrepreneurship, outlines the benefits it offers, and provides practical strategies for finding the right mentors and making the most of the relationship.
Why Mentorship is Essential in Real Estate
- Shortening the Learning Curve
Real estate, by its very nature, is complex. Between legal contracts, financial analysis, zoning laws, financing options, and market cycles, there’s an overwhelming amount of knowledge required to succeed. David Lawver explains that a mentor provides a shortcut through the fog. They’ve made mistakes, learned from them, and now carry insights that can help others avoid similar pitfalls.
Rather than spending years learning by trial and error, mentees can tap into their mentor’s experience to gain perspective and learn strategies that have already been tested and refined.
- Gaining Insider Knowledge
There’s knowledge you can learn in a textbook or an online course, and then there’s the kind of nuanced, insider information that only comes from someone who’s been in the trenches. For example, a mentor might share how they handled a particularly tough negotiation, structured a creative financing deal, or navigated a sudden market downturn. These insights are rarely shared publicly but can be invaluable when passed down through a mentorship relationship.
Mentorship also opens doors to learning the “unwritten rules” of real estate—how to manage client expectations, how to position yourself in a saturated market, and how to build a trusted network of professionals such as lenders, contractors, inspectors, and attorneys.
- Building Confidence and Accountability
Imposter syndrome and fear of failure can hold many aspiring real estate professionals back, especially during their first deal or listing. A mentor serves as a sounding board and support system. With someone encouraging and validating their decisions (or constructively challenging them), mentees are more likely to take action, seize opportunities, and learn from missteps.
David Lawver understands that a good mentor will hold their mentee accountable. If goals are set—such as securing a certain number of listings or submitting offers on properties each month—the mentor can help ensure those targets aren’t forgotten in the day-to-day hustle.
Tips for Finding the Right Mentor
Finding a mentor isn’t just about identifying someone with success; it’s about connecting with someone whose values, experience, and communication style align with your aspirations.
- Define Your Goals and Gaps
Before seeking a mentor, it’s essential to understand what you’re trying to achieve and where you need help. Are you looking to build a rental property portfolio? Break into luxury home sales? Learn the ropes of commercial real estate? By clarifying your goals, you’ll have a better idea of the type of mentor who can offer the guidance you need.
- Network Strategically
Mentors don’t always announce themselves. Sometimes, they emerge from your existing network. Start attending local real estate meetups, investor groups, and professional development workshops. Join real estate associations, participate in online forums, and engage in conversations on social media platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.
Look for individuals who are approachable, experienced, and generous with their knowledge. Don’t be afraid to reach out with a genuine compliment or question—relationships often begin with a single interaction.
- Be Respectful and Provide Value
Mentorship is a two-way street. While you’re seeking guidance, remember that your mentor is offering their time and expertise. Be punctual, prepared, and respectful of their schedule. Show appreciation for their advice by following through and reporting back with results.
You can also offer value in return. Maybe you’re tech-savvy and can help them with their social media or CRM system. Perhaps you’re willing to assist with open houses or research. By being helpful, you demonstrate initiative and build a stronger connection.
- Consider Paid Mentorship or Coaching
Not all mentorship is free—and that’s okay. If you’re struggling to find an organic mentorship relationship, consider hiring a real estate coach or enrolling in a mentorship program. Many seasoned professionals offer structured guidance, deal reviews, and one-on-one sessions. While this comes at a cost, the investment can often pay off through avoided mistakes, accelerated growth, and increased deal flow.
How to Maximize Your Mentorship Experience
David Lawver explains that once you’ve established a mentorship relationship, it’s important to nurture it with intention.
- Set Clear Expectations: Define how often you’ll meet, what topics you’ll cover, and what outcomes you’re aiming for. This helps ensure both parties stay aligned.
- Be Open to Feedback: A mentor’s role is not to sugarcoat reality. Be prepared for honest, sometimes tough, feedback. Use it as fuel for growth.
- Take Action: The best mentorship in the world is useless if it doesn’t inspire action. Implement your mentor’s advice, test strategies in the real world, and learn by doing.
- Show Gratitude: A thank-you note, a small gift, or a heartfelt message can go a long way in showing appreciation. It also helps strengthen the bond.
- Pay It Forward: As you grow in your career, consider becoming a mentor to someone else. Sharing your journey and knowledge not only helps others but also reinforces your own understanding and expands your network.
The Competitive Edge
In real estate and entrepreneurship, success often comes down to who you know and what you do with that knowledge. Mentorship offers a unique blend of guidance, encouragement, and accountability that can catapult a beginner into success far faster than going it alone. David Lawver explains that whether it’s through informal relationships, structured programs, or paid coaching, seeking mentorship is one of the smartest moves an aspiring real estate professional can make. As the old saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In the world of real estate, David Lawver, founder of Turnkey Ventures, explains that “together” starts with the right mentor.
