If you are an accredited investor (IRS defines it), you have access to many online platforms (like CrowdStreet) for well vetted syndicators (operators).

Are you an accredited investor?

If you have limited dough, wholesaling and househacking a small multifamily could be a good way to start, passive investments could be investing in a syndication (Regulation A if you're not accredited) but right now many sponsors are not paying their preferred return to investors until covid-19 is gone.It's hard to not make 4% if you selectively chose some stocks/equities right now. 

There are plenty of good JV deals you can be part of being accredited investor. 

I would get a bachelors by taking courses online through an accredited university while working and saving money.

Would also taking in 35 or fewer non-accredited investors would also be compliant for not registering the deal with the SEC?

The downside is that these are open to accredited investors only.506(b) offerings can be open to a certain number of non accredited but sophisticated investors.

Unfortunately everything above generally requires a great network to source it yourself or requires people to be accredited...Easier to access stuff might include crypto, but I would take a crypto index over direct ownership.

Hi, I was wondering if it would be a good idea to use a small loan from an accredited lender for a down payment (on a 2-4 unit property here in Brooklyn NY) and hold on to my savings for reserves.

From my experience, you may also want to consider working with contractors who are 203k-educated or 203k-experienced such as those that have the accreditation as a Certified 203k Contractor.