For reference, we're heavily involved in the co-living space, which is an unorthodox strategy but can perform exceptionally well with the right property and systems in place.

If you can involve the local fire department to help with defensible space as a start. 

I suspect, as more and more leasing-related disputes are occurring involving credit cards, the companies have already figured out their method of handling these claims.

To achieve REPS status you need to be actively involved in your rentals.  

So back to the drawing board, but for myself the big takeaway is to continue on the course that I set out on and too continually learn and stay involved with goals that I set out on and to stay focused.

If you have equity and decent credit, a conventional Fannie Mae HomeStyle (or the Freddie Mac version) would likely be the better option instead of an FHA 203k loan (which will require a 3rd party HUD consultant to oversee the deal in addition to having the contractor involved). 

No need for landlord to be involved in that claim.

I know a few people involved in syndications and someone asked me if I wanted to participate and I passed. 

Maybe they have other properties they are interested in selling without a Realtor involve.

These structures are significantly more complicated than a typical 1031 Exchange structure and there are inherent risks involved in the transaction, some of which are discussed below.