As many may (or may not) already know, real estate investing is easy - especially once the ins and outs are mastered. However, the real key to winning here is the attitude brought to the table; the attitude towards life and success. An excellent way to learn a lot about developing this attitude is from having mentors.

Having mentors throughout the course of a career can be the secret key to success. Even better, it's good to have several mentors with a variety of backgrounds. This way there is a range of knowledge and ideas at the investor's disposal. Despite the differing backgrounds of the mentors chosen, it may be easy to spot that they possess similar characteristics.

It's having these characteristics that have probably made them successful - and should be emulated by the protege for success. There are 6 essential characteristics they share.

Those 6 characteristics are:

1: Having a clear idea of the ultimate goal. It's virtually impossible for anyone to attain success without really knowing what they want from the get-go. Having a clear goal helps to define the steps needed in order to get there.

Additionally, it's crucial to have the burning desire to see that end to fruition. Having the goal is important, but being passionate about it will make that goal easier to reach.

2: A positive mindset and strong self-belief. Along the lines of "you get out of it what you put into it" is the belief that negativity begets negativity and thinking positively will bring about positive results. Consider the obstacles along the way to the final goal as challenges, not problems. This shift in thinking changes the approach toward them.

3: Acquired specialized knowledge. Again, whether in real estate or any other business venture, a solid base of knowledge is required. Therefore, investors must be knowledgeable in real estate investing in order to have any measure of success.

4: Goal-oriented. Similar to the first characteristic, being goal-oriented helps to keep investors on-track to attaining the "big picture" success they see for themselves down the road. Being goal-oriented helps to prepare for the next characteristic.

5: Decisive in nature. Being decisive makes it that much easier to make the necessary decisions - and at the right time. With a goal in mind, and a passion to achieve that goal, it becomes easier to do what is needed.

6: Team players. Rich and successful people realize that they haven't gotten to where they are without the help of others along the way. They surround themselves with like-minded people and feed off each other for ideas and support.

Having a "millionaire's mindset" is probably the single biggest factor for success. Yet it is also one the most overlooked by the majority of investors.

Which is probably why over 90% of the world's wealth is controlled by just 5% of the population. Follow the six characteristics, and you'll put yourself ahead of the 95% who struggle, and achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.