If you hire a property manager, you still have to manage that person and make sure they do a good job.If you invest passively in a syndication it can be a great way to learn, whether you decide you want to continue to be totally passive, or you decide you want to get involved on the GP side of things eventually...if you lean towards the later, you should really make sure you are investing with a sponsor who is responsive and will be available to answer your questions/mentor you - you should be assertive and look for opportunities to get more involved, like asking to join them on property tours and listen in on their calls with property management.I personally love syndication because when you invest with a reputable syndicator, you are trusting an expert to do what they are good at.

I agree with your assertion that there is an issue here, but I’m not sure remote appraisals are the answer.

The affidavit should end with a positive assertion, for example: “Pursuant to Estates Code Section 201.001, I therefore assert that I am the sole rightful of John Jones, deceased.

Be more assertive.

I many many markets I'm poking at in various states, the asserted 'market rent' is on the order of .5% of the price of buying the house which obviously won't cash flow for anyone.

Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury of or to the Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, invitees, agents or employees or to any person entering the premises or the building of which the Premises are a part or to goods or equipment, or in the structure or equipment of the structure of which the Premises are a part, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims or assertions of any nature."

Sounds to me that he gave you his answer...assertiveness is one thing but aggressiveness is another. 

This would seem like the best time to assert myself. 

Your buyer could assert a breach of contract action against you unless your performance was expressly made contingent on your seller's performance in that second contract. 

That said, you have to assert that right and show the state statute to show you have that right.