As someone with no experience investing into a syndication, is this normal, a red flag, or possibly ok depending on other variables?

While there are several reasons why you can be targeted for an IRS audit (including running for an office, it seems), the most common reason is the IRS computer finding enough "red flags" in your numbers. 

I am only doing so because during my normal screening I found these red flags. 

But for me, it is a big big red flag.

From being warrantable or not, to dealing with HOA red tape, and trying to get a hold of the condo PM, huh, good luck. 

For example, one steady red flag I've noticed is if the tenant tries to overly sell themselves almost with a rehearsed pitch before you even start asking questions especially. 

Detroit, Tigers, Lions, Pistons, Red Wings, massive Cobo Hall, world famous coney dogs, etc...

No, of course not - many red regions will outperform blue ones over the long-term.

Does this raise any red flags for the mortgage company? 

This is a huge red flag.