But I get it if you can invest 500.00 U certainly cant buy whole notes or secured positions with such a small amount. becomes a personal decisions make 7.5% with risk of losing it all or buy T bills for about 5% with zero risk.. its up to the individual investors.

I personally use US Bank [Big stable bank with Zelle capabilities], Relay [Checking and Savings 3%] and then Quickbooks [high interest rate 5%].

Find a group or person that can give you both education and mentoring. 

It also takes a personal guarantee from the borrower.  

For my personal investment journey I have done flips, buy and hold, BRRR, and wholesale.

Would a handyman be the right person to show the apt?

Just be aware, the cost of entry to the REI Guru business is very low.

Happy to chat about my personal experience if you have any questions!

Unless you can walk the real estate walk with these folks, hire a reputable person to represent you. 

This has been the case for me personally.