My ultimate goal is to be involved with REI, but I am not sure where the best place would be to raise capital and learn.

If they do not have any then there is your answer  Just because a company can find you a good deal does not mean that they can get you the monthly return year after year on that property Always remember you own four walls and a roof ,they owned the business system it’s operating inside of that to give you the actual return that it was promised and that’s easier said than done if they don’t have correct policies procedures in structure Always make sure that your business model aligns with theirs to make sure that they are going to help you reach your ultimate goals well if they cannot have that conversation with you then maybe they were the wrong team to leverage your properties with

For me, the ability to add value is more important because the ultimate result is more reliable.  

Well needless less to say I floundered and ultimately ended up going inactive with my license.

He'd be in a bad predicament, but presumably he'd be able to lien the house (he's the contractor) and ultimately he'd be made whole once the house is sold.But, if he walks away, you now pay double for his services. 

Alternatively I debated renting it out and then doing a 1031, or using my Solo 401K, but ultimately it was in a great area to live, so I talked the wifey into living there.Thanks @Armin Nazarinia -- The old owners bought sometime in the early 2000's, it was vacant when I purchased it.  

Can't imagine surviving a winter in Maine without sufficient heat and insulation from the cold.

Bigger pockets is the ultimate game changer when it comes to successful real estate investing.

What it ultimately comes down to is price and condition of the property.

There will propabaly be investor qualifications (accredited or sophisticated) but it’s a great alternative that allows folks who want to get out of a participation (hands on) ownership role and 1031 up into a more risk averse large MF building while being hands off.The sponsor will take fees of course like a normal syndication (most likely) and the returns may be slightly less, but you should still share the appreciation rights and ultimately just continue to 1031 up and up.Happy to answer questions.