Any member can go in on any investment with $5K or more, all group investments are optional.

One option I haven't heard anyone mention (because they're still fairly new) is MiniStays.

I feel as if it's a great way to start but not always the best option as you grow and get better deals through connections.

You also have the option to use non-recourse loans to leverage your real estate purchases, though this may trigger Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) on the income generated.

With some of the new properties they find they are getting great interest rate buydowns from builders. with equity of 1.2M you have many options on where to move. 

Best to talk to her and understand your options.

I had few options so our cost doubled.  

This reduces exit options and affects the value. 10) Small number of small units is the most expensive residential development there is.

I've reached out to the gentleman that owns the large PM group in the area to see if he knows of any smaller PM that I can connect with and I also messaged my credit union to find out what my best options would be.

Sounds like there are more than just 2 options.