Given your goal of preserving equity and achieving steady cash flow, DSTs align well with this objective.4. 1031 Exchange Flexibility: Since DSTs are eligible for 1031 exchanges, they allow you to defer capital gains taxes when transitioning from active to passive investments.

My main objective is generating a cash flow which pretty much eliminates local market. 

At the end of the day your objective is to prevent liability events from occurring and if they do, to be prepared.  

Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object.

Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object.

The Fed's objective will change, and it did. 

As a newbie, it is easy, and common, to head down multiple paths chasing shiny bright objects, with many of those paths just leading to time wasting and increased experience in learning what you don't want to do.

Remember, no system is perfect, so avoid the temptation of constantly chasing after the next shiny object.

Anything you do is fine since the objective is not higher return.  

A better approach might be to find a REI Association in the area(s) and ask other investors for their recommendations - it's not uncommon to choose a different appraiser depending on the type of property (residential vs commercial MFH vs. office or industrial) and the objective of the appraisal.