Now more than ever, I am seeing offers required to be submitted through a portal where the listing agents want no business being involved with up front negotiations.

@Tanner King learn how to work backwards on analyzing a deal, so you figure out the purchase price to offer to make your numbers work.Too many newbies think they have to offer asking price, which is not the case.

If there is any advice you have to offer,  I'm all ears.

I am cold calling owners and they are just laughing at me with my offers at 8% caps. 

“Does anyone know of a website or resource that reviews Real Estate Syndication sponsors or offerings?

Prince Georges county in MD also offers over the counter liens.

Class C properties are considered the riskiest investment, but they can offer good cash-on-cash returns.

I am trying to brainstorm ways to partner locally with someone in or around Indianapolis, to offer "boots on the ground" as this is what I do and where my passion is already.

Sounds like an easily executable deal from what you've stated but likely need more color to offer path forward, terms, etc.

A primary residence will most often provide more favorable loan terms so if you are willing to wait one year while you living in your new property and are comfortable with renting out your primary residence to a tenant, then getting something such as an FHA loan is a good strategy to minimize your upfront costs and hopefully get better loan terms.