Is it possible (or wise) to invest in a fund with leverage?

[Justin Hales]

Hey everyone, I’m just starting out so maybe this is a silly question. But is it possible (or wise) to invest in a fund as a LP with leverage?

Here’s why it seems to me (an amateur) like an interesting idea:

Let’s say I can qualify for a $500k loan to purchase a duplex. This would be my first property, so I have a lot to learn. I would likely make a lot of mistakes. But it seems like securing financing for this kind of deal would be fairly straightforward as long as my financial situation supports it. A lot of people do this.

Instead, could I take that same $500k loan and invest it in a fund with GP’s I trust that have 30 years of experience? They would invest it in a portfolio of deals that I likely don’t have access to and that produce a higher return than my single duplex. Wouldn’t that be a much less risky investment for both me and the lender?

Is this a thing? Why don’t I hear about more people doing this? Or are there regulations/laws that prevent this? Or am I crazy? :) 

Again, I’m just getting started so I know there is probably a simple answer.