The property has an amazing creek canyon (attached photo) is 5 miles from all the major attractions to Yosemite, and 7 miles from a lake.

However, I constantly see syndications advertising very attractive return.  

From what I've seen, Jacksonville has attractive housing prices and rental rates.

Any way to capitalize on this garage outside of just attracting higher rents once I move out and/or higher sales price if I decide to sell?

The thing that the gurus never tell anyone is that the majority of creative finance deals are done by investors who don't need creative financing, that is their leverage and why they can walk away, thereby making them more attractive then the one person who can only do the deal one way because they have no money of their own.

aim for a good house, not a cheap house as it will attract lower quality tenants and cost you more in the long run.

This my friends on BP is just the reality of Real Estate you have two basic methods One mom and pop keep their day jobs and start buying long term hold rentals as they can afford them and if they like it they keep at it..Two you jump in the game and try to make money transactionally IE RE Broker  Flipper Wholesaler MLO  leasing agent etc etc.. this also is a long term ramp.. what the Guru programs attract generally speaking is those that get excited think they can somehow buy a program ( any program pick one) and its going to jump start them to this mythical financial freedom everyone talks about..

I’ve included a photo for reference of the kitchen which is the main attraction of the Mass home.Now I am looking to pursue REI long-term and am looking for tips on how those more experienced in the field have operationalized and scaled the property selection process.Our thinking for this first official investment is to either acquire a duplex/triplex and add our touch or acquire a single family where an ADU can be added.

It's the conclusion you came to before you wrote the post I know but bringing up the challenges might make you realize that you might have to offer a heck of a good deal to attract a potential partner.

@Nadia Jones Starting and running a fund is a separate business because it's something that you need to actively market for and regularly work on attracting capital to invest in.