I have not personally done any syndicate deals like those, but from what I've read, they are mostly a way to extract money from gullible "investors".
Remember, also, that while all RE is local, the current national-level cycle has ended. Prices are going to decline or at best stagnate for a WHILE. I personally got completely out of rentals as of last year.
If you don't want to put in any work and get RE exposure, just buy REITs.
-W