My idea is to offer my skills, such as social media management, painting, or assisting with various menial tasks, in exchange for the opportunity to learn the trade.

Basically, lots of low quality leads when BP advertises the program on social media such as LinkedIn or PPC. 

You also need to use your social media wisely, not as spam.

After researching further though on social media and then criminal records I found about 12 previous arrests and numerous convictions burglary, theft, criminal trafficking, molestation (don't think convicted), battery. 

And there are syndicators out there that have long, strong track records, that spend more time operating than marketing, that aren't selling their guru courses and the syndications are just social proof as to why you should spend $30k on their course.But the flip side of this risk is time.  

If you associate his name with an article and its on a reputable website (news) or even just their social media, it's a quick google search for his name by a PM, landlord or interested LP to throw up red flags.

Try some Ohio REI meetups or social groups—you’ll pick up a lot.

I work in the social services field and have become aware of these types of places and am wanting to learn more about them from the investors perspective.  

I’d love to get creative with marketing without spending a ton, whether through social media, local community groups, or any other cost-effective avenues.

@Josh WellsRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.