Since it is your first I would say all the above are great recommendations. 

The perceived benefit to the investor is they either get the inflated price, or if the deal goes "bad" and the tenant defaults they get to keep all the deposit money and rent and all that.

My PERMANENT portfolio is my SDIRA; I try to buy more solid performing notes that I won't need to work on (although they haven't all panned out that way...). 

But also, even as Joe points out in his book, the true value of a syndicator is pulling together all the pieces.  

Joining BiggerPockets is a fantastic first step – it’s where so many great real estate journeys start.

Small roof repairs are usually fine to do, but ... the foundation should be corrected and settled back in place (usually 1-3months, depending on the method and what was done) before the roof is replaced, or you'll void all warranties that the roof had!

I’m very glad to be here to read the blog &  continue learning from pros like you all!

They specialize in uncovering all encumbrances and can save you from unexpected surprises.

All-In Costs & Profitability-ARV: $450K-Purchase Price (financed): $170K-Repairs: $150K-Holding Costs & Financing: ~$20K–$30K (insurance, taxes, utilities, interest, etc.)

Thanks for all these replies...