Perhaps the better place to start is by examining your existing portfolio.

I can generate some anecdotal examples, but would really like to see a professional study, existing court case, etc.

The complexities here are twofold: You need to review your existing agreements with an attorney to determine if they contain illegal provisions under Section 704.44., and sign new compliant agreements with your tenants.

You might want to consider buying an existing property with your $30k as a down payment.

BUT, it would be subject to the existing $160,000 mortgage balance carrying a 2.75% interest rate.

Every day, the Chemical Plants (Dow, Shintech, etc.) and residential neighborhoods that surround the site of this location provide a high traffic count.A great opportunity exists for a tenant that is willing to market their business to travelers of Hwy. 1, the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods, and neighboring communities.How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Unfortunately, I don’t have that same advantage, so I’m looking for advice on how to raise capital without those existing connections.Here are a few questions I have:1.

While there is less multifamily stock than in the Northeast it does exist and deals are out there

For many syndications, particularly single deals, that timeline doesn't exist.  

It actually isnt horrible depending on how much your taxes and insurance are, and if you are willing to buy the rate down to make cash flow within a few hundred dollars of your existing mortgage.