I also have some capital to contribute.Could someone explain how syndications are typically structured, and how are people using Other People's Money (OPM) to build large portfolios with little to no money down?

Drilling a well or building out a septic?

You can build a deck around them as well - or not. 

Reality is most of us who make it long term work our butts off in a W2, save as much as possible and build it over time -- When I see people want 10 properties in one year with no money down - I question how realistic that is, of course anything can be done but is that even the right play unless your sitting on $2-$3M in cash?

On paper some of these buildings had amazing metrics, excellent cash on cash returns, cap rates, etc, but when I looked at the buildings I found the neighborhoods were rough, there was poor management in place, there was lots of deferred maintenance to address.

Quote from @Kolby Knickerbocker:  Have you considered building here in Central Oregon or an STR here? 

@Heather Bailey while I live in my duplex, I have a standard Hazard insurance policy and I also carry an additional 500k umbrella policy (optional); both policies cover the entire building, but there's no separating it. 

It's a business - acquiring/building, managing, and growing a business. 

Start with one close to home where you can learn and build a team.

@Ketch BaysStarting small in a cash-flowing market is a smart way to gain experience and build confidence without overextending yourself financially.