It ultimately is the difference in where the funding source comes from. 

there are lots of them - you need to find them.you should also, if you can, go to Cleveland and meet folks in person.and i think @Travis Timmons said it - but even if you find trustworthy folks and they make good recommendations, everything is still ultimately going to be your responsibility. 

I also don't want to trade one stressful job for another when I'm ultimately working for freedom. 

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

GENERALLY speaking, I find that people are either good at real estate investing, or they're good at self promotion, but rarely are they good at both. 

This is a great topic of discussion and ultimately I think depends on your goals and what metrics you personally try to maximize. 

Start by reading the Ultimate Real Estate Investing Guide: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides/ultimate-real-estate-investing-guide/introduction2.

In many cases the forum inquiries or forum promotions are for construction or as many would call “fix & flip” loans.

Time to build the legacy.Check out the Start Here page http://www.biggerpockets.com/starthereCheck out BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginner's Guide - A fantastic free book that walks through many of the key topics of real estate investing.Check out the free BiggerPockets Podcast - A weekly podcast with interviews and a ton of great advice.