I do have the benefit of experience in real estate, own 30 rentals, and manage 200 storage units so I know the business fairly well and am confident in my ability to figure things out on my own.

Syndications are extremely risky investments where one has no control over their investment, no ability to liquidate their investment, no control, no title, and no way of verifying the investment promoter's claims. 

The partnership with Ivan West exemplified our ability to maximize property value through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.

I don't know how you're going to swing that anyway as you're going to need to have your DP when you come to closing and it's pretty likely, unless you have some seriously high assets and no debt, that the loan you take for your downpayment is going to kill your ability to get bank financing. 

I am very new to REI and would like to know if this is a great opportunity to buy in an up and coming area or if the residential properties will negatively impact my ability to rent out my other unit.

It might hinder your ability to purchase more homes down the road.

Appraisals are subjective and don't necessarily reflect what a similar property could be purchased for if you're looking hard enough or if you have the ability to pay all cash and depends on how motivated the seller is and also the venue you are purchasing from or way you are obtaining title

Let me clarify 1) I, for example, would do my due diligence first before making an offer on behalf of a buyer if I am not satisfied with the clients ability to close a deal, I'll not make the offer. 2) If in doubt, I would make an offer with a substantial amount in earnest money that goes hard on day one. 3) Most experienced CRE agents here in Columbus follow this regime if you ask me for any of the crap that the seller may require to make my client stand out in seller's mind would be an insult!

The partnership with Garrett Moretz exemplified our ability to maximize property value through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.

I have the ability to give you a more in-depth look at a potential flip, than your standard agent.