Hi,I see BP doesn't sponsor any meetups but I've heard they are a good way to network. 

FL is now basically going socialist by offering state-sponsored tax-funded insurance to replace the private insurance carriers who don't want to loose money any more.Home prices are also interesting: when the first row of houses gets washed out by a storm surge, you have for sale signs pop up in the second.

I would get familiar with a few sponsors and their underwriting.

Any non sponsored users?

@Andrew Frishman - here is some food for thought to get you started: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11782/84402-how-to-evaluate-a-sponsor Feel free to DM me with any specific questions, I have invested in multiple deals as a LP and as a GP.

Has the sponsor been there done this?

When someone joins BP with a paid membership, sponsors a podcast, or buys a book, it's clear where the money is flowing. 

You don't see the CIO of an endowment putting their sponsors on blast for the entire internet to see (at least that I know of).  

Like you I think I made my first investment in a true syndication when I was in my early 60s. the sponsor is what matters.. asset OK  but if the sponsor is not top notch I dont care how good the project is..

Like you mentioned and what I've read is the deal structure and sponsor carries the biggest risk so thank you!