How do I get experience without a experience? Chicken or the Egg

[Jason Lewis]

I owned, self-managed, and developed a number of properties before the 2008-2009 real estate crash. I have since recovered and have started and investment group in Chicago,IL. All principals have 700+ FICOs and we have working capital of  $50k. We are looking to do fix & flips in promising areas. We are looking for hard money but because none of us have recent experience, doors keep slamming in our (collective) face. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.