These investments give you exposure to the real estate asset class for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Developers and construction industry seem to have some exposure. 

I have multiple colleagues that make in excess of $1 million per year. 

He walked property with me and provided assurance I needed to put in a quick offer without taking excessive time to evaluate area I'm not versed in or try and hire a contractor to walk property with me.My partner proposed that I get an annual 7% return on my down payment off the top of the net cash flows and retain 100% of the initial equity from down payment and then we split the remaining cash flows and equity gain 50:50.To me this almost emulates a 3 party deal with a money man (7% annual return interest only off top) , a real estate investor (50% equity gain and 50% remaining cash flow) , and a contractor/repair man (50% equity gain and 50% remaining cash flow) except that I take on the role of the money man and the real estate investor. 

With any excess funds there are private lending options or enter a deal as a financial JV partner.

I would try to find an "fee" that is not excessive.

I then ran some of the exposed CSST in the basement through cast iron conduit to avoid exposure to future rehab screw penetration. 

If my insurance company thinks their bill is excessive, why should I feel any different?

Sounds like you have a great starting point in terms of exposure to the industry.

@Gary BarellaDepending on taxable income level, it may make sense to run this income through an entity taxed as an S Corporation.You would have to pay yourself 'reasonable compensation' via W-2 annually, but the taxable income in excess of the W-2 compensation wouldn't be subject to SE taxes.Really not enough info here to tell.