I don't have anyone I know enough to trust as a partner so I'd like to offer debt positions or equity payouts instead of partnerships.

Especially in Connecticut, a state in 1 Billion dollars of debt, it's hard to imagine companies being excited about moving into the area.

Improvement exchanges are a little more tricky so if you can structure the exchange where all of your equity + debt reinvestment can be dumped in at one time, you'll be able to do a forward exchange instead of an improvement exchange and it will save you on 1031 exchange fees. 

You could also offer a gift card to a local gym to keep things fresh for health-conscious renters. 

My financial advisor has no interest in my rentals other than to recommend I pay off my mortgages because he is a Dave Ramsey debt free guy.

It sounds like you are putting the horse before the card and are more interested in scale than foundation.

(so that substantial acquisition debt can be used while maintaining positive cash flow). 

What does it mean when I see a mortgage and debt balance and public record balance compared to estimated value??????

I'm on Lane Kawaoka's e-mail list and I always think about striking out for something, but wondering if its worth it or if it can turn into a house of cards...

He started telling me all the things he thought the listing agent was doing wrong, and even though I didn’t have any business cards on me, it turned into a great opportunity to get my name out there.