We're trying to raise a portion of the funds for a small resort (6 cabins) from private individuals and I'm running into some difficulties: The whole real estate syndication accredited vs/non-accredited investor thing (if I'm understanding it correctly) seems to be a huge hindrance to actually raising money from average (non-wealthy) people that would normally be the kinds of people I'd come into contact with.

.- when a lender is calculating the rental income to use for qualifying income - depriciation is normally a line item that can be added back 

The leasing fee depends on the agent but normally its around 70% of the 1st month rent.

This is just the normal operating costs, never mind the big things that come up occasionally with capex like when you have to replace a major component (furnace, water heater, sewer line, driveway, steps, deck, windows, roof, doors, siding, landscaping, etc,) and it costs $10-20k.

Check the property, nothing seemed stolen or damaged but she made a run for it in her car.

Additional forms of ID, etc.In my experience, going after lost rent and repair expenses is normally a waste of time.

Hard money normally can close more quickly than "regular" lenders. 

But in the neighborhoods where I invest and have lived, you can still buy a 3/2 with a two-car garage on a 1/4 lot for less than 80K.

Nah, that's normal. 

I always keep in mind a phrase I was taught "normal sells" Got it thanks!