Have you ever needed help with investing in real estate and wished there was someone to show you the way? Someone with genuine expert knowledge, real world experience, and was capable of communicating that knowledge to you.

How different would your own investing career be?

Maybe you've experienced the satisfaction of knowing at least one person who had a positive and lasting impact on your personal life or professional career. If you have then you understand the power of the mentor relationship.

But oftentimes it's not enough to possess expert knowledge. Effective mentors who specialize in unique knowledge share similar qualities and bring unique benefits to the learning table.

What follows are 5 benefits you'll enjoy when you work with a good investing mentor.

An effective mentor understands and accepts the student's level of investing experience.

People in all walks of life come in all flavors of experience and knowledge. And a good teacher understands this and adjusts the learning curve accordingly.

Most will agree the best way to learn is from someone who 'worked their way up the ladder.' In the case of real estate investing...someone who took a little bit of knowledge and painstakingly applied it in the real world of investing.

Having 'been there, done that...I know your pain' experience builds empathy toward the beginner and advanced investor alike.

An effective mentor possesses industry credibility and recognition for achievements.

An accomplished investor, from single family homes on up to commercial properties, will have a wide-range of experience and success. And it goes without saying that other successful investors and professional organizations will give credit where it's due.

As the saying goes...you can't argue with success.

The student benefits hugely simply because there won't be any nasty curve balls. It's highly unlikely the mentor will be presented with a new investing situation.

And this is precisely where the mentor's 'real world knowledge' will impact the student's success. Offering what amounts to insider tips for making the path smoother for the student.

An effective mentor is always learning and growing.

This is a trait that has become ingrained into the very best investing mentors. Why? Simply because most successful real estate investors started from scratch. They were not experts in the beginning.

It's a process of learning and growing.

As your portfolio grows and income increases, it's only natural to want to learn more. Increased knowledge, experience...and action means higher levels of success. They tend to go together and follow each other.

So a mentor who's always learning, growing, and testing new ideas stays sharp and on top of the investing game.

The student will only benefit from a such a wide breadth of knowledge. And a caring mentor will make every effort to instill this habit into the student.

Having that approach to your investing business or career will only put you ahead of most other investors.

An effective mentor is a model of positive mindset and attitude.

The attitude of constant learning and growth directly results from the investor's mindset. Having an optimal mindset for success is a choice one makes. No one can force anyone to do this. And it's a result of choosing to succeed no matter what. Up or down cycles. Failed deals, less than perfect decisions, mistakes...it doesn't matter.

A successful mentor will have the attitudes and mental habits that helped success happen.

It's not a mistake.

And when you're around positive people, their positive attitudes tend to affect you. A good mentor will always give you encouragement and urge you to move forward.

Don't fuss over your mistakes. Learn from them and move forward.

An effective mentor shows commitment to the mentoring process.

Lastly, your mentor will have an unwavering commitment to your success. But you, as the student, have to show up for the game. You'll be expected to make a good effort to 'honor your part' in the mentoring process.

It's a no-brainer that an effective, good, successful mentor has already shown the ability to be committed. Great success would not have been possible, otherwise.

And you just may be surprised at what you can achieve in your own investing efforts if you show commitment, an attitude of trust, and are engaged.