Each platform, whether RS, Real Crowd, Realty Mogul, Crowdstreet etc say they do deep dives on the sponsor track record, property, location etc etc.

Just curious if he is on the right track with that thinking?

Long story short, you have to have a track record before you are going to get private money.

I want to help my parents in creating passive income through by investing in income producing assets like apartments on privately lend on other people's deals based on their track record.

Direct mail is a proven method, but not a method that will be continued to use. 

Track your income and expenses in report form and review them regularly with people you trust and understand know your goals.  

There are some D class neighborhoods over by the tracks.  

@Tom Mattinson - I would value their track record much more than any formal training.  

I want to get my kids on a great track to financial success.  

Can someone recommend a software or spreadsheet i can use to keep track of all these tasks and be able to see whats open and closed.