We typically pay somewhere in the range of $3500 for a new, basic furnance, including install, if there are no other modifications to the system required.  

If the new owner pays on the loan its not "equity skimming" from what I understand of it.

It's likely they’re using this as an excuse to avoid paying rent, and there’s a good chance they didn’t pay the previous manager either.

Be mindful of recapture tax when selling but consider long-term strategies like a 1031 exchange.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Plus, we had a family in mind that were looking to rent a house.

It is not uncommon - main reason we see right now is over inflated original ARVs and now borrowers cannot sell and pay off the lender. 

Less licensees paying into the pot means everyone's costs go up.

Just sell and pay off that loan or two.

Our current mortgage terms include a late fee after 5 days, so they’re already paying extra each month and have to split the total monthly payment up between 2-3 payments when they get their pay check.

Seems to me that if an investor considering syndicates who does not have experience or contact with syndicators would do well to join with a group of investors experienced in investing in syndications and pay the membership fee to “ride” the knowledge of experienced investors in this field.