Therefore many people what they do to get around this is partner up with an experience investor to help them get better terms on the hard money and that also helps you gain experience that you can use for when you go solo.

When you are new as an investor, you also don't want to work with a new agent (you).Overall, I think a RE license is good for access (to homes to get reps and to the MLS) and I think the course itself is way more valuable for investors than agents (most just stay in residential and don't need to use all the weird stuff you learn).

What does he consider a substantial down payment and does he know that he has to pay capital gains on that down payment instead of just on the payments?

There are three items required to make a successful partnership - Time, Experience, Capital.If you are a syndicator, you are likely expected to have time and experience.There is a lot that goes into being a competent syndicator - Proper communications, finding a good deal, communicating quarterly updates, networking with lenders, contractors, PM companies.You can gain experience by doing your own deals or working for someone who does(Ideally both).I personally think you should cement your experience before worrying about OPM.Best of luck

Do you use anything for remote access for maintenance? 

You get the best of everything- cheap, tax free access to your equity, you get to keep your interest rate and you get the cash flow. 

From what I understand, they knew you had some asset of value and this scheme allowed them to access. 

Even then, if you've built up enough carry-forward losses, a nice capital gain may not trigger any taxes to be paid. 

I believe you were right he would inherit your cost basis, so he would owe capital gains.

But bottom line money is out of your account and into an account you cant access or influence.