Read books and listen to podcasts to supplement your knowledge and to use for better questions, more detailed, and then when you pair that with meetups and your motivation, you are on a great trajectory.

Most of the BP posts are negative on Syndications for very minor LP investor and GP knowledge.  

I have enough money and construction knowledge that i can convert both of these apartments in 3 bedrooms!

That will help you "real-life" the knowledge from the books and learn how everyone's journey is different.You seem like you know the journey is long and your new day job is going to be a very important cog in that wheel.

BP is a great place to start growing your knowledge in preparation for your first investment

Another option will be to use the HELOC to buy a property that needs work, fix it up and then refinance and do the BRRRR strategy, but this is a bit more sophisticate and you want to make sure you have the knowledge and the risk tolerance to do it. good luck!

So they use broad strokes to entice new people to talk to them, but they don't have the knowledge or expertise to do the job.

I’m worried about liability, safety, and frankly, whether my personal belongings are at risk.I’m in Illinois (but not in Cook County or Chicago, where I know the laws are stricter).

If you ever need help, I’d love to assist you in gaining more knowledge in real estate investing and blending your construction and remodeling experience for success in this new chapter.

They do not however have the knowledge, credit score, or physical ability anymore to fix or get into real estate.