For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

For example, if you are looking to connect with other members near you, want to learn from people in a specific area you’d like to invest in, or have a desire to find people interested in certain topics, you could use the search feature here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that may be of interest: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsThere are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

I would suggest starting as an LP, next hiring a coach (if desired) and then you look to syndicate.

Maybe it's in a slightly less desirable area or maybe it needs a little bit of improvement (so it has a tiny bit more execution risk).

Retail properties can be very lucrative but you have to know what to watch out for.Warm belt states tend to have more expansive growth and if a space goes dark if under 10k sq ft in size there is generally a waiting list of tenants to go in in desirable areas if your location is good and rents are reasonable for the market.

Be weary of guarantees on the STR loans, even though it's a tried and true business model, lenders will be conservative since these loans aren't as desirable on the MBS markets. 

So far, I still have a desire to keep these two worlds somewhat separate.

We've got no real desire to upgrade our primary home.

Do you wish to own 60 properties, own 20 free and clear, keep moving up, desired monthly income, etc etc???

You still must have agreements and paperwork, and resolutions to assure you can take your deductions that we all desire.