Even if rents are trending up, if your tenant base can't make ends meet, the asset won't perform.

Lastly, I am extremely open to working with investors, or obtaining private funds as well. 

On a commercial asset the value is directly based on the NOI (net operating income).

VS Real Estate, nobody controls or makes a forced sale of your assets because there "fearful" what may happen.

I’ve reviewed a number of theses DST’s across numerous asset classes  and there performance /returns are generally fairly low and unimpressive. 

They might not be great for cash flow but might be great for long term capital appreciation especially when you use leverage.I’d rather own a $1M asset that breaks even but appreciates consistently by 3% than own a $100k asset that cash flows $3k per year.There’s power in investing in or near your backyard.  

I am hoping to be an asset to experienced investors, with the intention of learning as much as I can, so that I can start building a portfolio of my own.

I like the asset class IE not C class in the deep south.

while I totally understand the frustration especially purchasing what was supposed to be a new and ready to go asset, but these things are pretty common so don't feel to discouraged. 

Make sure any renovations comply with local regulations and obtain the necessary permits if plumbing changes are involved.