This could get you 6-8 units if you shop patiently which is a great starting point.Please do not send any money off to companies that advertise real estate "syndications" online.

They then decide if they are willing to list with the agent.If you have substantial capital and can close quickly, with cash, no inspection you might be able to do what you are suggesting.But a bank is incentivized to get as much as they can, with the least amount of hassle and they will believe their real estate agent before they believe you on numbers, closing time, availability of funds.

Do you plan to self fund or hardmoney/etc? 

If you pay back all the upfront capital needed to fund the deal, the return becomes infinite after that, so that plays heavy.  

For a property that needs rehab, you will need an interest only loan (generally a 12 month term) that funds up to 90% of your purchase + 100% of your rehab.

Is anyone experienced with the online management company Stessa? 

You could get a DSCR financing on the 1st rental property you have to come up with funds.

I had to pull funds from my IRA, 401k loan, emergency savings.

Insitutional demand in Charlotte made it red hot last year, and there are some large tech companies entering the Raleigh area.

I am newer to the BiggerPockets forums to not new to the company itself.