The reality it's not somewhere in between when it hits the public. 

Active syndicators are frequently quoted in news articles or have entire articles written about them in trade and mainstream publications.

I have 8 properties that I have rented through section 8 now and didn't need any additional resources than the one freely available to he public from the housing authorities.

Since you want to come on here and make comments to the public  show us proof where we cut corners and didn’t bring things to code because a tenant is living in your house right now comfortably.

Thankfully I have no property in NY.I loved this quote which shows just how clueless people are about housing issues:“Housing instability is at the root of so many problems facing our city, such as exacerbating homelessness and hunger, failing to meet our children’s educational needs, and undermining public safety,” said the CWTU in a statement.

One that I'm getting close (hopefully) to the end of, was a flip that was a public nuisance property with two lots on either side full of junk (like 10 dumpsters worth..)There was great opportunity with the house, but we bought the other lots as well and cleaned them up (as no one would ever buy the house with those lots filled with junk). 

I'm weighted towards RE but I have been buying in the public markets recently (stocks, index funds, bonds, REITs, Master Limited Partnerships, Business Development Companies).

Do I give up access to transportation, restaurants, cultural activities, doctors, emergency medical care, religious and business activities, vet care and maybe more, to live in the country on my ranch or on the beach in a beautiful country, or do I keep access to all those things and live in the city? 

Also, check out LoopNet or Crexi for listings, though keep in mind that the best opportunities might not be listed publicly.

If this is an issue posting this on a public forum, I'll DM you.