I would like to sit down with him and ask him why it is so much higher than what we thought the final bill would be.

My recommendation as far as a brokerage would be to find a 100% commission brokerage with as little fees as possible.

'As far as composite returns filed by the syndication GPs, I have followed up with and not yet heard back.

With regard to property taxes and reassessments, it’s always best to use the tax estimator and you can go as far as even calling the county tax appraiser to get a more firm estimate so that you do not get blindsided by a higher than expected tax bill.

Don't take financial advice from broke cousins.Don't let them kill your dreams, because they don't have any.I would go to far as to say, don't ever talk finances with that cousin again. 

we want to entitle not build 4/5 communities to make maximum impact in columbus because the gap is so large for entitlement 

As far as the lender goes, if I'm buying properties that qualify for conventional loans does it really make a difference if I build up a relationship with a specific bank vs just shopping around each time I buy a new property?

In the second consultation where I was quoted a fee of $24,750, I was told because the team is so confident that they can reduce my taxes several times over, they are willing to offer me a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

how is so far?

I have two concerns with your plan.As far as your plans that sounds good. $2,500 in rent for $1,300 sqft seems too high, even for Bayview and I guess you are in Tippecanoe, but I have not seen the house so can't tell for sure.