Choosing my niche in real estate investing

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I'm quite new to the BP community and to the idea of real estate investor\property rentals to build wealth.

Hoping for some straight forward honest feedback from this great forum .

Having always follow the John Bogle way, my approach to building wealth has been truly passive via Vanguard index funds.

I find myself with two problems with this approach.

Firstly is that the 4% SWR doesn't generate enough income to live on.

After all 4% of even a 1 million is only $40,000 USD.

Secondly, I do really need to diversify besides stocks\bonds and add some real estate to my portfolio.

Perhaps I should be moving entirely away from the stock market all together.

I have been reading and educating myself narrowing down which real estate niche makes the most sense to me logically but also instinctively.

Investing in multi unit properties 16 units plus sounds like the way to go.

After all, the NOI which I understand to be in essence positive cashflow is really what determines the value of the property.

I want to buy based on cash flow not market timing or forecast performance.

Also, depreciation will be passed on to me yearly along with appreciation if property is ever sold.

What strikes me the most is the idea that apartment complexes will continue to be in demand in the future - seems perfectly logical to me.

Is my thinking correct is assuming this approach to real estate investment is sound and possible the least risky?

Risky when compared to owing commercial real estate in shopping centers, office space, new developments

which are all more affected by assumed performance once completed.

I understand as an investor, what I need is a sponsor with proven track record who has HIS money also in the deal with investors joining in.

It seems syndicators might not be a good option since they are basically working for a fee and don't have any money in the deal.

Recently, I noticed Grant Cardone is offering accredited investor into some deals he already bought offering 6% preferred, estimating 10-12% positive cash flow, 65\35 split between investor and himself.

To be honest by first impression I like the guy and his teaching is sounds but at the end of the day I dont know him.

Has anyone done any deals with Cardone? I emailed his employee Ryan, wanting to hear from him.

I would also appreciate some names of individuals setting up similar deals to compare offerings.