If youre older and wealthier, paid off sounds a lot better.

If the seller already has an agent, the agent is his/her legal representative so it's better to deal with the agent directly than the seller.

They offer better economies of scale and tend to be more manageable as you grow your portfolio.

Or better yet, ones to avoid?

I'd think it would be a better fit for seniors. 

Asking in the correct forum will get a better response.Read the RULES!

Zillow and Redfin are much better for finding listings.

I think buying in a smaller market may have been better

It is better to have a vacant unit than a bad tenant. 

If 4 syndicators offer 10% and another is offering 15-20% then a red flag should go up and ask “why is this one better” if the operator says it’s because their secret sauce I would laugh. 2.