Mostly leftovers, we didn't buy them, but they rent well.

This could be happening to you as well. 

Narrow focus - I know the zip codes I wanted to purchase well.

Feel free to reach out, my team has experience lending as well

There is well developed  case law that points to a guarantor having to receive a benefit in order for the lender to hold them accountable in the event of a default etc.

Cash Flow & Value-Add PotentialA well-selected multifamily property could outperform the $2,400/month cash flow you’d get from paying off the townhouse, especially if you find a property with under-market rents or appreciation potential.

I am bumping into more and more people that I consider fairly high achievers that seem to have someone coaching them to do better as well.

In my area (DFW), we're seeing that smaller, one-story office is doing well. 

Sure it does. but depending on who the celebrity is/was.....That's why so many little hotels, boarding houses, vacation rentals, etc..... feature this in their advertising.And in some cases, you will not get more money, but you will get more guests.A little while ago, I went to Tombstone AZ and stayed in 'The first boarding house in Tombstone'....really cool place but kinda small and, well....old feeling.

You could also mitigate risk with a surety bond as well.