I feel the best way is to come alongside someone else who has already gone where you want to go, if you have the chance! 

So I have some free time and I’m willing to work along side someone whether running errands helping fix up a new property or whatever you may need.

As a result, a criminal charge was filed against me, and I was due in Court (alongside lots of drug charge cases while I waited my turn). 

You could find another guy who has some capital and you could come along side him/her and use your sweat equity to get into the deal.

You're welcome to join us to find local deals, network and learn along side other like minded folks. 

I also prefer that the managers share the risk alongside me - via skin in the game and/or profiting only after I have my capital returned along with a preferred return before the manager/developer makes any profit. 

PM me if you would be interested in seeing the deals and potentially working alongside me on them.

Just choose your partners well and don't move too quickly until you are certain you have a perfect match.And I could see where a long-time management company relationship could one day grow to where the management company is making a financial investment in your acquisitions (alongside your other investors).  

Maybe investing alongside sponsors who provide value to their passive investors is a good way to gain experience & learn until you do your own deal. 

@Michael Stanley NinoDo yourself a favor and invest passively alongside an experienced investor who can put you in a much larger investment (100+ units).