I'm surprised they were able to do a 1031 under this structure.

I am to surprised to hear that this is CA.

Detroit can be tricky to analyze, and some deals that look good on paper might have hidden pitfalls (taxes, rehab surprises, etc.).

I watched Jim Cramer, the mad money guy, on a crypto podcast / video, and he seems very interested in it at this point - I would not be surprised to hear that he has had a conversation with someone at Fidelity Digital Assets about buying some. 

NAREB and the year might surprise you because it was 1950. 75 years of negotiating commissions later, there are more real estate agents than ever before, so clearly real estate brokering is different than stock brokering.  

They may surprise you with their honesty and that may make them a better syndicator actually.

Solid house and a good location, so a little surprising to me.

I would not be surprised if this was a very well thought out plan that someone would move to another country that could avoid everything you mentioned while living there where ex pats are welcome and can live a wonderful life. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I think you may be happily surprised while still being in compliance.