Probably not a great bet.

Your best bet is definitely going to be a small credit union or regional bank in that area. 

Took the proceeds and put them into a 1031 exchange to be used on purchasing a long term rental.

Or you could sell a few of your least preforming properties, and do a 1031 exchange into an apartment complex.

If you interacted with persons in trying to understand there quoting as you communicated here, no you wouldn't get much for answers because it's demanding, condescending and with hollow threats, nobody wants to deal with that BS or person so of course they blow you off, I bet you'd blow that person off too. 

If you want formalized training, your best bet is to take a course and then network like crazy to get in the orbit of other successful syndicators so that you can see how they operate.Here are some resources:Value Hound Academy with Craig HaskellSyndication and Crowdfunding WorkshopGene TrowbridgeJillian Sidoti

HEIs, offered by companies like Unison, Point, and Hometap, are not about paying off mortgage in exchange for equity.

In those cases, the listing brokers are selling to their client list and end up on both sides.Smaller deals up to 30 or so may show up in Loopnet, Crexi, MLS, local commercial exchanges, etc. making it easier for buyer brokers to help identify properties. 

Ok so I sold a property for 1,050,000 cost basis was 175 exchanged for another property for 860k.

If the space being used is detached to the main living space, than that portion is considered investment and you could do a 1031 exchange and defer all the capital gains tax on that portion and still take the primary exemption.