I have had much greater success with passive syndications - there are active parts - I need to find and vet sponsors, analyze deals, research markets and learn about different asset classes (some of which you mentioned in your initial post). 

My contractor initially laughed at me, then found it was helpful when he used it.

I had initially asked for a single trust given the simplicity of our situation but the estate planning lawyer pushed back saying most of his clients do two separate trusts for asset protection and that he would not recommend we do a single trust.

To answer your question, Brent Coombs, i initial goal is to pay off the existing mortgage. 

But the buyer and his lender were not going to perform in time of the 30 day contract as they promised initially.

We will examine after the first initial cleaning to see if they go above and beyond or do the absolute bare minimum. 

In between years are 5-8% I was very skeptical when reading your initial post and a few follow ups.

I hope this helps answer some of your initial questions, if you have anything more specific, feel free to inbox me and I will help in anyway I can.Best,

See the map below for what zip codes I would initially be interested in.

So, whatever issues you encountered in getting a conventional investment initially, are likely still there.