Quote from Moneyball:
I agree that, while rare, there are good traders out there that are good and willing mentors. Sometimes they do it to supplement their income, sometimes it helps them stay focused or grounded, etc. If you can make $250K per year trading, and another $50K-$100K per year mentoring and it won't negatively impact your trading results (it may even help), then it makes sense.
I also agree that you should be able to work out something with your friend to help you learn how to trade his style. Why not try to find a sublet in NYC for a few months or even a hotel for a few weeks? Or, depending on the style, your friend can probably help you a great deal without your having to move. You can talk on the phone, e-mail, IM, PC Anywhere, Paltalk, etc.- you'd be amazed at how much you can get done remotely, especially if his style uses a little longer time frame.
It all depends on what you mean by he can now trade successfully- if he makes well into the 6 figures, it's worthwhile. If he just treads water and makes the majority of his money off of the mentoring, it's not.