I'm strongly considering The CE Shop, but would love to hear from someone who's already gone through the process. 

My wife is an accountant and she has several clients who own apartments, shopping centers, hotels, motels- all very successful and none of them are 'passive' with their investments. 

In addition to that, lots of retail has actually been demolished over the past decade to make room for higher density projects, like apartments.That said, most retail landlords with high quality shopping centers aren't dying for deals.

I'm a big fan of the Yukon Solo Stove with stainless steel lid, which turns into a legit coffee table when not being used for fire - it isn't the cheapest set-up in the world, but the one I put into one of my LTR properties 3 years ago still looks nearly brand new, and was a huge selling point when I was getting it leased out.  

I recommend working with an experienced broker who can shop multiple investors for you.

I recommend using a broker who can shop a bunch of different lenders and their platforms for you.

Shop around to see where you can get the coverage you want at the price you want . . . we have done well with Steadily as they shop carriers and can get what you want for the specific situation you are in. 

., just a couple thoughts.When I was shopping loans for larger properties, the lenders I was talking to would have accepted a signed Property management agreement as the "experience".  

It took me (who is a coffee addict and very quick with the computer) 9 hours to review 1,000 homes for physical distress.

I would let a broker shop this out for you.