It just seems that with all the work and risk involved in finding your own property, managing contractors, and then finding and managing the property manager, the return on the SFR investment should be signifcantly higher than the syndication. 

Where can I find a reliable general contractor?

When you're looking for properties to renovate but not not local to check on progress of the project, it's important that you find or get connected with a general contractor that is credible and has references that you can see.

The contractor supported ones got more grease. 

This team consists of an Investor Focused Agent, Lender, Contractor, and PM.Read this article on the "core 4".

I'm working with a contractor for the first time on a cosmetic renovation from out of state.

Talk to some small contractors and ask them  if they know anyone that can do plans.

Did they also help you find the renovation contractor?

So don't let your contractor pick "whatever" color.

I think many can be easily overcome like finding an attorney and contractors in the area, but the most interesting challenge I can think of is how to hire someone to deliver late payment notices one day a month.