Tax optimization is not a topic that many people like to discuss, but it can deliver equal value as other landlording tasks.

It really just comes down to if they meet the standards that you are looking for.Now if there is something wrong or sub optimal with their application, then that is a whole different story

Syndications will almost always be to cover the down payment, renovations, and other costs in order to increase rents and to optimize ROI.

I visit Oahu every year to check on my properties, optimize processes, meet fellow investors, and work on my tan ;)Besides my Oahu rental portfolio, I have invested in over 15 private placements/'syndications" passively over the last few years.

We are not optimized, but I have accepted that.

Looking back I believe we could have/should have adjusted our rates to optimize our payouts.

I am wondering about two things- insurance and tax optimization.

(The program is Healthy Neighborhoods Program).I guess my question is .. being that I would like to get into investing ASAP and i feel like this would be a great small step , are there any more options out there that would be more optimal for my situation (hard money lender, other programs, better routes)? 

It is more of a (right sizing) of existing medium to larger box size tenants expanding their online footprint to maximize omni-channel marketing to get the right optimal business ratio to drive sales and profit margins.    

.- number of units (in the case of MF)- location of real estateThe investor has to decide what mix is optimal for their situation.If Series-LLC is an option for you, get one and put each property in its own child Series-LLC, problem solved.