I'm looking to meet new people in this space and learn more about real estate.

If you want to find someplace to land pick it based on environment/people. 

They tend to be what most people target.

Sentiment:  I want to see more people hate real estate. 

I use cash comps as the first people I look to sell wholesale deals to.  

Eric,, I think why people go for the fund model is the idea that they are spreading their money into multiple notes being held by the company.. while in theory this is great but as you noted you don't really have any security compared to being the beneficiary of the debt instrument IE debt is in your name. 

Typically I recommend that people get very clear on your vision for not only what you want to do but the exact markets you want to do projects in and narrow your focus to those.

A good tenant is more than just a rent check—they should respect your property, your rules, and the people around them.

An old business associate once told me "There are two people in this world you make sure you pay...the IRS and your attorney."

Hard for people to find using just the lookup function.