. - liability (LLC), anonymity (land trust) and financing are 3 different components of this.

With all this talk about 1031 and individual situation(s) being the key component....Since this is a common analysis, there must be a comprehensive analysis tool already in existence. 

In my opinion, good partnerships always have a "trust but verify" component, and this is no different with Travis & Nader.

That said, we are not in a market where the average deal is likely to have enough potential return to justify paying 9-12% on a HELOC... unless there is a value-add component with a clear & compelling refi strategy later.

i missed the "rental property" component of the post.

Here are some of the reasons why: Compared to an IRA, Solo 401k contribution limits are roughly ten times higher.There is no custodial requirement for the 401k.You don't need the additional expense and administration of an LLC to have checkbook control.There is a built in-Roth component whereas IRAs are either traditional or Roth, not both.A spouse can also participate in the same Solo 401k plan.The Solo 401k has additional tax benefits over an IRA when investing into real estate using leverage.The penalties for prohibited transactions are less severe, though it's best not to utilize this benefit :)

What are the value add components that one should consider, like amenities.

There is a risk/reward component that you will need to get comfortable with and determine where you are on the risk profile.

For newly constructed, purchased or renovated properties and also retroactive generally over the last 10 years, building components are properly classified into individual units of property and accurate recovery periods for computing depreciation deductions.

Surveying has a lot of 'art' and nuance to it as well as the mathematical component.