[X] A Little Family. You'll take the middle ground option. Only 3 to 5 trainees, but no more. It won't be as difficult as a larger group will be, and you will have other candidates if one happens to bite it or leave. (Three to Five apprentices; They will have a +50 Bonus to Potential; Isn't that bad if they die, but it will affect morale)
[X] Contacts. You have made quite a few "friends" over the years. You owe them, and they owe you. It should be simple enough to send them letters telling them you are looking for someone to train. On the other hand though, they may send someone who is completely unsuited for your training or a spy.
-[X] Hugo and Haga, the Twin Apostates. While the College might like to think it has a monopoly on Mages, there are always those that slip through the wire. The two elves would lead some of these outsiders to your doorstep, though working with magic has never been your specialty. Though you might get some kids who would do better in your line of work. (Higher chance of getting magic users and thieves)
[X] Close Knit. You only want one or two apprentices. That will make it easier to gain their trust and train them. Though if either die or leave during the training, you'll be out of luck. (Only one or two apprentices; They will have a +100 Bonus to Potential, allowing them to be trained for longer; If they die, you'll have to find more; Easier to hide)
[X] Do it yourself. Who better to decide who your apprentice will be than you? This might be playing it safe, but at least you'll know who and what you're getting. (Randomly Generated Apprentices; Know exactly what their skills are from the start; Locked if A Large Class was chosen.)