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

My next step after posting this is to reach out to a few similar hosts for the style of property I am looking to invest in and see how well they do on a personal level.

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.

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.

Thank you for sharing on such a personal subject.

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

My personal preference is to talk with someone who is where you want to be.

If you are someone that is willing to have a quick conversation on the phone I would love to hear your story and share more of mine.