I'd suggest you participate in the forums on a consistent basis, and see how much value that has.Also, when posting, be specific in what it is you are asking for in order for someone to give you answers you're looking for, whether it's a niche you're interested in, a specific deal you need advice on, etc. 

@Etan Frankel although the government has a hard deadline of April 20th, 2018 to establish designated opportunity zones nation-wide, the investments wont happen for a short period afterwards while the IRS works on designating qualifications for the certification of an Opportunity Zone Fund.As soon as the certifications have been designated and the flood gates for applications are opened, i am sure you will begin to see many Opportunity Fund's pop up that would be eager to participate in the investment.

There are several companies that make direct investments in real estate, and allow you, as a shareholder, to participate, and collect a monthly dividend. 

City and County have no geographic restrictions within those boundaries, but if within Chicago limits you cannot participate in the Cook County program - must go Chicago. 

When you participate in a wholesale deal you should be able to walk the property and know what needs to be done right then and there. 

Yes, some people I know have participated in my investments.

@Derek Dombeck to add to Derek's good examples you can also do an equity participation loan.I have done literally hundreds of those over the years pretty cool way to do this stuff.

The Labor force participation rate has remained flat in the face of demographics that suggest it should be declining. 

@Jimmy ReadyYou can contribute up to $5,500 to an IRA per year and this is an addition to being able to contribute to your employer 401k plan. https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-particip...When an IRA invests in real estate and the IRA does not have enough funds to fully purchased the property, the IRA can obtain a non-recourse loan.

I am participating in Landlord Cooperations Program in Philadelphia provided by PGW- gas company.