Here's a post where I go into detail about DSCR loans as far as the importance of cash flow, credit scores and down payments: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/1080147-refinance-rate-105Lender terms and fees vary widely.

You're smart for recognizing the importance of building relationships...very few wholesalers in my area understand this. 

Once an investor understands that is a business transaction and is able to keep emotions out of the analysis, it is much easier to find, or more importantly, create deals.

Knowing you have a fully screened tenant with good history is very important.

Talking to a lender can be a good first step, less exciting than looking on Zillow but still very important. 

Investors should therefore exercise significant care when choosing their Qualified Intermediary because of the critical role the company will play in the administration of their 1031 Exchange transaction.It is extremely important to note that 1031 Exchange Qualified Intermediaries are generally not required to be licensed, regulated, audited or otherwise monitored by any regulatory body.

Importance of a mudroom? 

To add to your excellent points, it’s also important to consider the tax implications of a 401k loan.

Most importantly, harvesting losses is only possible if you reinvest in a similar but not the same exact investment.

First - you have to mention what the syndication will do as that will have an impact on how you get taxed.Given that this is a real estate forum, it is assumed that you are investing in a syndication that will invest in real estate.Most real estate syndications purchase real estate in year 1 and have a plan of selling / exiting in year 5 or 7.Often times, the sponsor will get a cost segregation study which increases the loss on the K-1 presented to the investor in year 1.This may be important as it almost guarantees that there will be no taxable income from the syndication from year 1 to the year before exit.If the syndication does well and exits at a price more than purchase, it may result in a taxable income.