I was able to get into this by networking with some very smart and talented people in the local market and banking.

Get out and rub elbows with local investors by joining a local real estate investor group.

Have no real formal training, on subto I would have a local attorney put it together for you.

You may want to consider a local bank for more attractive terms. 

@Jeff Ryers a background check costs money, so free is not attractive.Also, no application fee, in our experience, only attracts broke applicants, who turn into nonpaying tenants.Google PMCs in your area and check their websites for their application fees.

Are you attending any local networking/meetup events?

Just connect with those doing deals and go to the local RE forums.

I was getting interest rates that were slightly over 7% for a fixed, and I recently learned about the 5/6 ARM through my local credit bureau who I had financed my car through many years back.

Do you use an online program, and app, or someone local?

The question at that point is what are you really providing to the community that would attract donors?