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.  

Right now, I am curious about, but not anything close to sophisticated on, office, especially in the suburbs of Denver where I live.

The primary form of diligence we see on the forums is "what do you think of XYZ sponsor and deal" whereas the common form of diligence in the space by institutional investors, large investment groups, family offices, and sophisticated investors involves following the sponsor for years, underwriting the deals, validating rent comps, background checks on the general partners, and a host of other diligence that materially de-risks the investments.  

The only time I suggest other software, like AppFolio or Yardi, is if you’re managing larger, more sophisticated commercial multifamily deals.

There are many buyers and sellers of sufficient sophistication not to require at least some of the typical bundle of services.

And it is very straightforward to file these, so I would expect it to be well within the scope of any operator sophisticated enough to pull off an owner financed deal. 

The sky’s the limit, however, depending on the sophistication and the amount of due diligence help you request. 

Folks are just trying to drum up business, some do it well, other's aren't as sophisticated about it. 

Since I am new to this space, I would prefer to have as safe of an investment as possible then graduate to the more sophisticated. 

If you're looking for the all-in-one I'd go with a PM software (others have suggested some) and do what you can with it.Then, as you grow further, look at more sophisticated/expensive options.