Hang out at the flying field. Watch who are the fliers that demonstrate consistent skilled control of their planes. Watch who crashes a lot and who doesn't. Look at how well their planes are built. You can be the judge on who you want to get advice from.
Some guys are great pilots but lousy builders, and vice-versa.
There are many that are both good builders and fliers. Like every where else on this planet, there are those who speak like they know it all, and yet they can never prove it. If you want someone to take your investment up in the air, make sure you know who you are dealing with. Have them fly their plane first and show you that they are competent. One of the issues that a lot in instructors glance over lightly is the theory of flight .