How it's being transacted in safely manner is between the syndication and old/new LP investors.

Online ratings can only take you that far.

You should refocus on making it as a safe, conservative, get rich slowly, investor.  

We have also tried looking at places in Utah as there is a lot of beautiful land there, but initial looking online made it seem like the numbers just didn't make sense.

They usually have a free online portal for fraud ime.

As someone with little capital to invest at this moment, I’m wondering if this is a reasonable (and relatively safe, depending on the deal) option to pursue even if I’m not clearing much in the way of cash flow to start. 

I've discussed this with my real estate attorney who isn't a syndication attorney, and he seems to think that this could work, but to be safe, should be a small group without any association with my company. 

They also have literature and tons of free information online that you can learn from without spending a dollar.

One thing that groups can provide (whether it's in person or online) is accountability, experience, systems, tools and resources. 

There are a number of DSCR lenders online (look through biggerpockets for a lot of options) that will give you some different options.