We've had a few tenants fall behind, but through some respectful guidance and consistent communication, every single tenant I have is paid up. 

Keep learning.And most of all, don't think of this as a get-rich-quick thing, or that you're not going to have to work hard and put some money into it. 

& then the nephew is cutting your communication with the LL/seller. 

@Rich ZimmermanI plan on following this strategy outlined here.

Looking for quality contractors that communicate well.

Peter, you may not appreciate this, but this is for all the persons out there considering passive investing in a syndication.I assume this is a Reg D 506 (b) or (c), so to invest one needs to be accredited (rich) or if (b) sophisticated (knowledgeable) and if (b) must have a relationship with the sponsor. 

I'm not saying Reed has the final word, but you would be wise to look at and consider his word in light of what you've read in Kyosaki's material, then judge for yourself.https://johntreed.com/blogs/john-t-reed-s-real-estate-investment-blog/61651011-john-t-reeds-analysis-of-robert-t-kiyosakis-book-rich-dad-poor-dad-part-1So....now you probably think I don't know what I'm talking about, and that's fine if you do. 

That person will then communicate your interest.

You need to be able to communicate effectively with the person painting walls as well as the person underwriting your loans.I think a STEM field would give him more options but get that's a hard sell if he's set on real estate.That being said, much to the chagrin of my family of educators, I flunked out of a couple colleges before I was 21, and had almost clawed my way to an associates degree before I took a semester break two and half years ago when we were expecting our daughter.

I'm currently on active duty in the Marine Corps, and one day my Staff Sergeant suggested that I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad. 6 months and many books later, I've decided I want to start investing in real estate.