Passive RE investment diversification

[Ashish Rizal]

Brand new to BP, just getting started with RE investment and am looking to invest in multifamily, duplex/triplex eventually once I have solid understanding of it. In the meantime, I would like to have some passive investment going on to generate cash flow. I am considering investing in syndication deals and some into REITs (for dividends) . Is it a good strategy to diversify? 

Also, how would one vet for the sponsors running syndication with good returns? 

Any thoughts or insights would be greatly appreciated.

TIA