My thought is that if the IRS audits me, I'm perfectly capable of showing how "Joe Smith" paid my venmo $1K, I transferred it to my personal account, I also have a lease agreement identifying that $1K and Joe Smith's name.

True Joel, but like pulling teeth to get Syndicators to show you their track record, ie actual total returns with breakdowns of distributions + capital appreciation + principal paydown etc, and SEC so loosely governs Real Estate that it's the only investment category that doesn't require standardized return metrics like the 30=day SEC yield on any fixed income product is mandatory, or audited GAAP accounting standards on finacials from public stocks/Reits etc Real estate seems to be still a bit more un-regulated "Wild Wild West" than other parts of the investment economy, but i guess hence the much better returns i've had in real estate, risk = rewards This is why the good sponsors get have audited financials and have a third party verify their track record.

The filthy rich do that in remote areas and go through a company that is very experienced in doing that because it is also one of the most audited things by the IRS.

To minimize audit risk, it’s advisable to choose “Other interest” instead of “Mortgage interest” when reporting.Part 2: Forms 1099-INT from Investors to Private LendersForms 1099-INT Explained: Similar to the interest earned on savings accounts, Form 1099-INT outlines the interest that must be included in taxable income.

In my recent IRS audit, the agent appreciated that point. 

You don't necessarily need a CPA licensed in those states to provide you with tax planning, tax advice or to help prepare your return.licensure for CPA's by states are normally important when you want to provide assurance / auditing related assurance

More can be found out on the IRS website The Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide3.

Avoid risk, which means do inspection and safety audits.

This cost is often justified by the value added through their expert advice, ensuring compliance, optimizing your tax return, and potentially saving you from costly mistakes.Audit Support: Another significant advantage of a CPA is their ability to represent you in the event of an IRS audit.

In an audit, you’d need whatever info they demand.