EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in finance, a commercial real estate certificate, and a minor in building construction and project management, with a focus on energy-efficient housing.

Public education in Florida is significantly worse now then it was when I grew up. 

I am looking forward to any advice you may have (besides avoiding those high priced education seminars.....we already did that) and learning from anyone who is willing to teach us.Thanks!

To start lending your own money to real estate investors, you need to first educate yourself on the fundamentals of real estate financing and investment.

It’s a great way to gain credibility, educate, give back, and form relationships.

Id line up these steps.1. consume education through books and podcasts.

'Investing in Real Estate Private Equity' by Sean Cook is a great intro level book, that assumes you know nothing about the syndication space but it doesn't treat you like an idiot either, it takes you along and educates you2. higher level is "CRE analysis and investments" , a textbook by Geltner et al. which I loved, breaks down all aspects of CRE, how to underwrite etc. 3. lots of online stuff helpful too, like The Real Estate Syndication Show, recent episode belowOver 100 Passive Investments and Lessons Learned with Joe Fairless (youtube.com)4.

Hey Albert - congrats for educating yourself and getting out there to do the legwork involved with finding a good deal.

They not only are showing me houses but educating me on all things Florida which is great.