that's not to say it can't be done, just that you'd really need to be getting things set up as you go. and on the passive side - i really think the more passive options, like lending or syndications, are for experienced, well capitalized investors. 

Also, offers great lending oppurtites on your equity in your portfolio of assets.

I'm looking into starting out in Hard Money Lending Niche.

Not to just find properties but also building my clientele for the lending side.

I have good credit and sustainabile income but I have been finding trouble in traditional lending **How do you approach rent-to-own agreements?

They are the classic bad syndication company that makes risky investments with bad financing structures.

California is that way or at least when i was running developments for a big syndicator we had to buy them up front and close. you had 45 to 90 days for DD then you have to close..

Also as a sidenote I assume you are lending on non owner occupied homes - never lend on an owner occupied property.

You will find many many resources here and a community of like minded folks willing to help you out in just about any way you can think of.I am on the lending side of things and am a broker. 

I considered syndications which invest in car washes, self storage, multi-units and real estate debt funds but to be more passive but I've heard mixed reviews about syndications.