When I have some free time, I'll research other options that won't cost a fortune for the small guy.

I see 3-5 as a fad.Fractional ownership - way to much overhead for these to be profitable. think "timeshare".STR in non traditional markets - running a STR is a business and real estate, boils down to location location location - who would want to go to a conference and stay in a STR vs. the hotel where the conference is at, most businesses pay for this I do not see why.Mixed use with green - this has been going on for years- it will continue but it is also more expensive to build - which means higher costs to use.Not trying to be debbie downer, I have seen these attempted to be done in the past and they really have not been successful.I do really like the BTR model though as I continue to see that as a very good option in the future. 

There are also a lot of different options in real estate to single family residential, multifamily, commercial, NNN and then being on the debt side of being the lender which has cash flow but not appreciation. 

It might be the way I have to keep going but it's why I'm exploring this fund option as an alternative.1.

In terms of maximizing your returns you want to compare the interest to an alternative.

Alternatively, if the bank ( assuming there is a bank) is fine with it, you could negotiate a credit and escrow the funds to be released after you do it yourself.  

Are there other, more cost-effective alternatives to gain similar support and knowledge?

Note these are only residential options. 

Quote from @Chris Seveney: @Ryan KohenIt’s gotten some pretty bad reviews here on BPDo you like it or have an alternative ? 

So you didn't do anything wrong, you just didn't know.As for alternatives, most counties have an appeals process... but you will likely lose if you go that way.