How do many wealthy people get that way? They invest in real estate. It is a proven way to build wealth. 90% of millionaires became so through owning real estate.
A Real Estate Investment Trust (or REIT) is a company that owns and operates real estate. You can buy shares in a REIT and thereby own a small part of the company that owns the real estate.
Crowdfunding is similar to a REIT. Fund managers pool your money to buy either a single property or multiple properties. The profits from renovating, operating and eventually selling the real estate get divided among the investors.
Similar to hard money lending, becoming a money partner means you are bringing the cash to the table, and the other party is bringing the deal (and usually managing the renovation or operation of the property).