I wanted it to be passive since I have a full time job in tech and cannot do what "boots on the ground can".3.

@Philip Jones we've helped our clients do over a hundred.As some of the lenders posting have pointed out, the challenges are:1) Property value and corresponding loan size2) Appraisals have much better comparables than 5 years ago, but may still be an issue.3) Property condition can be an issue via the appraisal4) Ownership seasoning - most lenders looking for 6+ months or incredible documentation for cost of improvements made.5) Most DSR lenders require professional property management.Always try a small local bank or credit union, but most will expect you to transfer your business bank accounts over to them. 

Agent gets paid for doing their job.

If the only difference between a co-signer and an applicant is a second job or some other insignificant factor, they are NOT co-signer material.

Since I enjoy the management and improvements and tools and growing a business, I chose to acquire my own properties.As for whether syndication is the "best way" ... it's totally whether the syndicator is good or not. 

I can see how there would be confusion on the Architect's part if their job was to draft plans for the city and then the city has approved the plans as is.

I will offer this suggestion, If you can secure long-term tenants post-leaseback and consider future value-add improvements, the property could yield even greater returns.Also, keep a close eye on commercial real estate trends in Middle Tennessee, especially given the area’s growth.

It's important to understand the difference, and I'd recommend sticking with the REIT with depreciation advantages.The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes a 199A deduction and applies to certain income from pass-through entities (including REIT dividends) and allows individuals to take the 20% deduction against REIT dividend distributions that yields an effective tax rate of 29.6% or 37% (80% for upper bracket filers).

My other thought was to find a flip job for faster cash.Is there other ventures or financing ideas I should be considering?

A post on recapture:People are concerned about recapture when they cost segregate their improvements and for good reason.Recapture is real, and those deferred taxes will need to be paid.But fear not!