Shauna
I think you bring up some good points. By and large, I would agree with you that, as a whole, the folks you meet while RVing are pretty good folks and as a sub-segment of society, probably are less of a 'problem' than other segments of society. That doesn't mean we are immune to criminals though. I recall awhile back where someone who was a full time RVer was busted with bombs and bomb making equipment in his RV. Not saying you'll hook up with a mad bomber, but just to illustrate that even our sub-segment of society is not immune to the criminal element.
You are probably more likely to encounter problem people by camping/RVing in state parks etc than you would at an RV park. I have seen 'unsavory' looking folks walking around camp grounds in state parks.. They have direct access to the camping areas when they come in state parks.
All that being said, Im sure if you do your due diligence, you would weed out the undesirables. But, I also do not believe you need a mentor for 2-6 weeks to teach you the ins and outs of RVing. As others have mentioned, experience is what you need. Don't be afraid of it.. jump out and enjoy it.
From a personal perspective, I use RVing as an opportunity for me and my wife to get out and be alone (or semi-alone). We go camping with friends, or by ourselves. We aren't loners, but I don't seek out visiting with new people on every turn. I like sitting at my spot, with my wife, and drink a beer by the campfire. We are not ones that necessarily want to participate in pot-lucks, dances, etc that the various parks like to put on.
The above is meant only to address the thoughts about the RVing population in general, not necessarily your particular situation. I think you would have a hard time finding someone who is willing to share 125 square feet or so, with someone that doesn't know you very well (or you know them very well). The walls are basically non-existent and you will hear every normal noise from the bathroom, every fart/burp etc... all the snoring, coughing etc just as if you were sitting right next to them.
I think alot of us value our solitude, but also enjoy the camaraderie with other RVers, but like the opportunity to engage when we want to engage, and be alone when we want to be alone.
Im rambling a bit, but in the end, I think you can do this and you don't need someone to team up with for 2-6 weeks to learn.
Mike
