Distressed Debt Workout / Special Servicing vs. Mezz

How are the hours/comp/exit opps/reputation of this industry in general? how about for well known shops like cw capital, torchlight investors, LNR capital, C-III and the like?

Is this generally a good launch pad for a career in real estate debt? i'm interested in how this kind of career would compare to mezzanine. Is one typically 'better' to start out with or to know? is one typically harder to break in?

i can't find any info comparing the two anywhere, would really appreciate some info.

thanks