Meet a lot of people, build trust with them over time, after your have built up a lot of trust and they are seeing you as an expert in the space, ask them for an investment.  

Joining Bigger Pockets hoping to accelerate my learning process and meet like minded individuals.

I'm absolutely not interested in leasing fast at all and I'm extremely picky about tenants and I do things like require a large security deposit (even for section 8 renters, I have three of them and love them), don't supply appliances, take my time doing background checks and arranging multiple calls/meetings with potential tenants. 

In cities with static or declining populations, the existing housing supply typically meets housing demand.

There are many groups that meet across the country.

You will have to meet the criteria but it is doable.There are a bunch of lenders on here that have programs so get with them, like @Jeff Chisum and see what's what.

We still had the meeting and filled all the paperwork out though so it's worth a shot

I'm excited to start this adventure and ready to meet the challenges. 

@Vince Nguyen Yes you can absolutely do that, but there are lender specific guidelines you have to meet. 

As long as you specify the bank name, address, and interest rate in the lease, you're meeting the legal requirements.To avoid the hassle of having to have the tenant sign the lease twice, you can simply leave the account number blank in the lease and note that the deposit will be held in a specific account at a designated bank.