I'm just chasing the first 100k.

Do not chase a deal just because you are trying to hit your 4-6 properties, rather be strict and only pursue deals that will work.Regarding where to start, since you said you currently live in an apartment, I would think house hacking might be a great option.

I have been researching this a lot lately because I feel this could not only shelter me greatly in 2022, but make or break my chance of being a full time real estate investor (which Ive been chasing for 20 years now, police dont make a lot :). 

I use Chase.  

There's  nothing wrong with investing in syndications if you are writing smaller checks but perhaps invest with the syndicator who is chasing your checks because you are the only option, not the preferred option.

@Barrie HasselbalchYou could reach out to a tax attorney but with it being a decade ago I think he is going to be out of luck getting it reversedYou could have him execute a power of attorney to have someone act on his behalf while incarcerated and they could try and chase down the funds

Quote from @James McGovern: I no longer entertain buyers agents from CaThere can be many bad players in any transaction. 

That is overly-simplified and there are other rules and exceptions to that, but it's something that newer investors need to be aware of before you start chasing "flooded homes" for rehab. 

I am now keeping away from funds that are leveraged so high and chasing yields that are too good to be true. 

Lastly, every sheriff's auction has the same ten players.