@Jeff SkinnerRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

You mentioned that you've been paying water / sewer for all 4 units. 

So multiple eyes and local expert providing local cost and input on lifespan.Here is an example that has a part that is more expensive in my market than other markets (unlike most parts that are the same everywhere, so in this case your cost should be significantly less due to both cheaper part and cheaper labor): $1600 40 gal water heater installed (this is good price for a plumber, a little high for a handyman) with expected life of 12 years (i have some that go 20 years and some that die in less that 10 years (mostly rheem die in less than 10 years), 12 years is fair life expectation

They were never particularly nice, beach cabins on stilts with rattan furniture that usually had water stains from wet suits.  

The owner also needs to save for big ticket items that may need to be replaced every 10 or 20 years such as AC, hot water heater, furnace, roof.  

Lot rent is $365 and includes water.

(eg, if your lot is not the standard 25 x 125, but some other multiple where the width is actually skinnier than 25, and the lenghth is longer than 125, and you want to reduce side setback requirements, eg.) 

The materials used for rehab werent up to his standards.

Property details: 3 bed 2 bath both sides with attached garages, aluminum siding, copper plumbing, 1972 construction, separately metered, all electric water heater, range, dryer, public water and public sewer on a slab foundation in a great school district right next to brand new construction everywhere.

The sponsor is likely suggesting that your monthly cash-flow will be shielded by depreciation and you will likely see your 'tax hit' when the syndication disolves which in industry standards is likely 5 to 7 years.