This requires your agent to truly be YOUR agent and promote your best interests and keep your bargaining information confidential.

Unfortunately this seems to be the norm with many of the gurus and seminar/webinar promoters. 

By electing QBI safe harbor, you ensure that your rental activities qualify as a trade or business under §199A, provided you meet the 250-hour material participation rule and maintain proper records.

I see it promoted by gurus that they'll pay 110%+ of FMV if they get the financing in place and no balloon.

Of course, track record and conservative vs. aggressive underwriting/promotion play a role in the reality of what you're hearing from any syndicator. 

One thing you might think of doing is having and promoting your own website to avoid the exhorbitant fees charged by the third party sites such as Expedia, Booking.com and Air BnB.  

Also, if you have any materials you need (tile, flooring, cabinets, bathroom fixtures, etc) start picking those ASAP.

To me anyone promoting a 36% return I would question and want to understand the risk.

Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) or material participation in a short-term rental (STR) could allow rental losses to offset capital gains.

He will lump "painting" and  "flower beds" together and not provide receipts for the actual materials that were allegedly used.