If my business owner bank statements did not gain me an approval, I was going to go the hard money route.

We're in the business to make money right?

Even if you create a non-CA LLC, if you are managing the business from California, you will likely be deemed to be "doing business" in California and therefore likely subject to CA taxes.

I'm not looking for partners, but rather people to collaborate with as I'm working to scale my business.  

I've been toying with the idea of adding an ISA to my sales business.

You have every right to be outraged at the offending party and that's the tenant.Stay focused on what matters and that is getting back in business. 

We want to move projects forward just as badly as you do as it is the only way we make a profit in this business. 

i noticed though that the strategies you proposed are very different... an STR is a hospitality business and syndication is (in theory) at least somewhat passive.my main tip in getting started is not to rush into anything. 

That's why I would never had a business partner.

I have a friend who uses this to summarize legal proceedings for his business.