Recognize the sponsor is at least as critical as the deal.  

These often include a preferred return for the investors and then a pre-determined cash flow distribution schedule between the sponsor and investors that includes the cash flow distribution waterfall based on either the IRR or EMx and possibly a GP Promote. 

Most of the crowdfunding platform operate like Craigslist ads and simply connect investors to third party sponsors.

As a general partner on two syndication deals, I’d recommend reaching out to your main sponsor to understand how depreciation is allocated between general partners and limited partners for that particular deal.

Presuming not your deal, or employee of the sponsor; what other active role (other than raise $) will you have in the deal?

Never went the Sponsor route, but will say they do make more money and do a bit more work. 

Lastly Jim I am surprised it took you this long :)  AS you know one of the main rules on BP is operators / sponsor etc are suppose to divulge that they are in business and not pretend they are something else and they do it by Omission .  

You need to understand deal dynamics, sponsor's approach, etc.  2.

The sponsors’ goals included “protecting naturally occurring affordable housing” from teardowns, decreasing “gentrification” and lowering property taxes for homeowners.

My intent was to use the local reputable contractor (think of the guys sponsoring sports).