It is unfortunately a very risky thing to invest with individuals.

Typically, we conduct background checks on only the individuals who are responsible for the lease (primary resident) and/or cosigners.

Since I am entering this field in the latter part of my life (63), I do not want 'long-term' investments as I am not interested in making millions, but having enough for the remainder of my life to 'Vive La Vida Loca'!

It will help round you into a more complete individual as you continue to develop and mature.

I personally spend about 50K a year in masterminds and always get my money back just through network of individuals you get access to.

BiggerPockets or LinkedIn can also help you connect with like-minded individuals. 

You have to be a serious individual that takes care business.

I am now looking to enter the Chicago market, I have heard good things about that market.

Quote from @Martin Jones: Hello, I'm young individual who is interested in long term buy and hold multifamily real estate.

When you can access the opportunities first, you can qualify the lead first, analyse and find the best deals first, reach out and build rapport first , offer your solution first (rather than having your offer thrown on a pile of others the individual has already been given) and so on.