@Carol DonaldsonThe concerns you raised are par for the course when buying wholesale real estate.

I have had their inspectors ask for things not in the approved plans, but I also have had them not raise concerns about work that maybe should have been on a permit.  

I know over the past few years DST's were getting crushed and had a hard time raising money according to someone I know in the  BD space who did a lot of DST's.

I'm an equity partner on four different apartment complexes and have learned a lot from talking with and observing the lead investor (i.e. syndicator) about raising capital and investor relations by being in those deals.If you are fortunate enough to find a mentor, it would be wise to find someone with integrity, who has multiple SUCCESSFUL deals under their belt and believes in consistent and clear communication with their investors. 

I am really interested in the potential that RE investment has to help provide an income for my family and help me slowly build a farming operation that is set up for long-term sustainability.I plan to use my RE license to raise capital and get access to potential rental properties.

Walmart raises prices.

If too many, consider raising. 

That is normally what I do when I have a property under contract and looking to raise capital. 

Family status is the protected status that trips up most people, with comments like great family home, great neighborhood with lots of kids, this is the ideal place to raise children, etc. are clear violations of fair housing rules.

That means it is a crime to convey later, although the government gets immunity for selling it to you, of course.