Find a quality agent in Texas, then ask them if they offer a referral fee.

Valuing your time and understanding your limits and skills will make a big difference in the equity you build, the quality of the work and your sanity. 

No syndication experience but there are about a dozen quality RV/Mobile home parks on market in Oregon, several with owner carry options that can be passiv-ish with management in place.

Real estate is an excellent avenue to help you achieve those goals, especially since it can create both passive income and long-term wealth.

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Jerry NoguerasRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

It’s also an excellent opportunity to gain property management experience.

My partner and I keep an excel spreadsheet of rent, our purchases, utilities, taxes, insurance, and money spent on contractors.

Then definitely get a quality PM and rent it out for a bit.

(We're from California as well) Everything has been extremely smooth so far and their staff has been excellent with their customer service. 

Haha I bet there's been some crazy stuff out there but the one's I'll put up will definitely of better quality and insulated.