Is it wrong they tell the investors if asked to say they are "partners", or "contractors" just bidding the job? 

My partner went door knocking and negotiate on a cash deal What was the outcome?

My business partner does a lot of work for UB property owners and shares some pretty rough stories with me.

Then do everything you can to study that specific real estate niche and then start to partner of some deals to help you gain experience and confidence.  

I know this post is a little old and not sure if you went through with your ADU construction yet, but my partner does ADU ground up construction in the LA area.

Quote from @James N Sheils: Hi Brandon, I have worked with Southern Impression Homes for also decade and merged my own company with them to become a full partner in 2022. 

From my experience, you can use that savings to house hack with an FHA loan, invest in a turnkey property in a more affordable market, or even partner with others to expand your purchasing power.

I commuted back and forth from Arizona to California for 4 years and when I would stay in Arizona I stayed on the fold out couch in the living room of the guest house behind my Arizona primary home because my mother-in-law still lived in the bedroom.During this time of living in Arizona for 4 days and California for 3 days a week, my business partner and I built a large real estate portfolio through hustling and finding good deals.

My partner and I don't get a cut of any of the money invested, it's a flat-fee membership club.

They key is to find out what you bring to the table to others; in this case to my mentor, my clients and eventually to my business partners.