Syndicators do this because most passive investors are not sophisticated enough to realize the "security" of the preferred return means they usually are giving up the potential for massive returns if the deal does well.This next comment would apply for all syndication.  

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

States which DO NOT require licensing for originating or negotiating a loan secured by commercial real estate nor a loan secured by non owner occupied residential real estateALASKA ARKANSAS COLORADO CONNECTICUT DCDELAWARE FLORIDA GEORGIAHAWAIIIOWAINDIANAKANSAS KENTUCKY INDIANAKANSAS LOUISIANAMASSMARYLAND MAINEMISSOURI MISSISSIPPI MONTANANORTH CAROLINA NEBRASKANEW HAMPSHIRE NEW MEXICO OHIOOKLAHOMA PENNSYLVANIA RHODE ISLAND SOUTH CAROLINA TENNESSEE TEXAS WASHINGTON WISCONSINWEST VIRGINIAStates which DO NOT require licensing for originating or negotiating a loan secured by commercial real estate but DO require licensing for a loan secured by non owner occupied residential real estateIDAHO MINNESOTA OREGON UTAH VIRGINIA States that DO require licensing for both residential and commercial real estate loan origination and brokeringARIZONACALIFORNIAILLINOIS MICHIGANNEW YORK NORTH DAKOTA NEW JERSEY NEVADASOUTH DAKOTA

Because the owners of Licensing Experts pay ALL CASH, the closing usually occurs 3-6 weeks, which is very fast compared to traditionally financed commercial deals I've seen on Bigger Pockets.The whole thing hinges on their very clever technique of getting existing commercial retail tenants engaged, willing to move into their newly acquired properties who are coming up for a lease renewal or lease expiration, rather than marketing for new commercial tenants - which would take way too long.Licensing Experts is somewhat of a "front" for their Mentorship Platform, as they evidently have many of their own separate entities for which they use to actually purchase and close on their commercial properties assigned by their mentees. 

Yes we were successful winning bidding wars 3 months ago using the family postcard technique;) Basically, we added a cute picture of our family along with our offers (which were based on conventional financing) and our “humanity” made us win over the cash offers.

The loan has a MUCH higher risk for the lender because it isn't secured by real estate.

This provides you with a safety net for any unexpected expenses during the rehab process while also potentially allowing you to secure higher leverage on the purchase price.

They have a group of funding sources that will compete against each other, this helps keep the final interest rate within reason, and offer a partial refund if they are unable to secure financing. 

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.

If you're already in a secure financial position, leveraging your equity could be a smart strategy.