You hit the nail on the head! 

I think these responses so far have fit the nail on the head.

I have also considered having the concrete polished but there are a few spots that have patches and/or  leveler and I am not sure how well it would come out?

We are thinking either construction adhesive on the wood with penny nails hammered through into the mortar to hold the boards place while the adhesive is curing, or to drill Tapcon masonry screws through the boards and into the brick while being really careful not to over-torque and bust out the brick...

Haha you nailed it Ken!

It's just not for me and my goals.You hit the nail on the head... there's no equity when you buy like this and you're paying up for convenience.

Quote from @Robert Johnson:  Ryan hit the nail on the head with his response.

I think you might be hitting the nail on the head with the "just another investor who didn't think through his exit strategy and unwilling or unable to pay the tax for his gains..."

If you don't concretely nail that down how will things go better in the future?

Many have tried to work around this, many getting nailed for it.