Have you seen Case-Schiller property appreciation graphs on San Diego.  4) rent rates traditionally lag purchase in both directions.  

@Abel Curiel I contacted a fellow investor, and he suggested I follow the 3-offer strategy: a cash offer well below asking/market, traditional financing slightly below asking/market, and owner financing at asking/market (or something along those lines).

Is it possible to get a more traditional loan with fixed interest for 20-30 years?

I created my own letter template and started send letters in 5x7 Manila envelopes versus the traditional white envelopes.

An individual (like a person who just wants a better return on their money in a CD, 401K, etc...) may have the same terms as a traditional hard money lender but I've found they have more flexibility. 

If it were me, and I did when I left my last job 16 years ago, I'd transfer my old 401 to a traditional IRA. 

@Christian Dunkerly , this book is for people paying US taxes.

Based on what I know, syndicator plans to use traditional bank financing methods for refi.

@Christian Wamsley right on man !

The part that we are struggling with is determining the best way to pay off the debt and get the units under traditional financing after they have their occupancy permit and are rented.