I am seeking perspective from the savvy note investors as well as established buy and hold (rental property) investors regarding the "best" strategy to grow net worth over time. 

While "hard money" and "private money" are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences:Hard Money Loans: Typically offered by established companies or groups of investors.

I would simply establish relationships with realtors and your investors. 

We only agreed to the ridiculously high fees because we wanted to establish business credit for new LLC and were told we could get the lump sum in our account in 2 weeks or less.

I walk to the front and the tenant has removed thousands of dollars of established landscaping and is planting annuals in their place, which will surely die in the summer heat.

Was hands on with tenants which established trust and was able to get information.

I had an extremely similar situation last year, it was a property I was fixing up to sell, the main contractor had some issues (maybe drinking, drug or gambling) and kept asking me for money saying he needed to pay the crew and has been working really hard.

Those syndicators establish investing protocol and disclosures for their passive investors.

If there is a potential for loss of any kind, then you are using their funds for your benefit - i.e. gambling with other peoples money - so definitely a place you don't want to go.

(Gambling, drugs, divorce and lust)