@Dennis Boettjer The best way I have found to find quality operators is by joining a Community focused specifically on passive investing in syndications.  

A great way to start is by attending RE events and joining a local investors association.

My son just joined the Navy and now that I’m an empty nester I want to make a shift and bet on myself!

I joined BiggerPockets to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from experienced members, and contribute to discussions where I can add value.

We are already surrounded on three sides by urban zoned homes.My neighbors and I have been approached by two individuals, one is a neighbor who is a real estate agent, and the other one a friend of a neighbor, who works with a real estate attorney; both individuals asked us to join them in working with the 5-6 developers they have approached.

welcome @Cam Caraher and congrats on joining BP, this place is the start for many, sure was for me longer ago than I care to admit.I'm not personally in your market, although was born in dorchester and grew up in NH, but this is a great place to meet locals.If you have not already a great starting point is the Meetups posted here, just search for your area and see if any meetups are happening. 

I recommend as a first step in your education in this new type of investing - join a Community that is specific to syndication investors.  

I joined Nate Barger’s BRRRR Investment Academy and first learned the process there but I was just flipping houses at that time.

.-  Joining communities and connecting with others on a similar path. 

I have learn a lot in the short period of time, Joining BP is one of the smart decision so far, I hope you are accumulating good amount of Knowledge