Multifamily syndication will require a good amount of initial due diligence on the sponsor, but very minimal time/effort once you've made your decision.50k / year will require 5 Million in equity earning 10% (if we're being ultra-conservative here).

We try to keep our rentals (that we refurb ourselves) to within 30 minutes to minimize commuting time.

Keep in mind that AAA tenant properties trade at significantly higher prices due to their credit standing and the chance of default on a lease is minimal. 

We put this language in the lease agreement (minimal smoking on the porch with doors closed).  

If the extra interest is minimal and helps you obtain your 2-4 unit goal quicker then i would just take the 30K.

Our primary goal is to minimize the tax burden so that we can deploy as much of the gain from the sale into the purchase of new rental properties.

For someone with minimal connections and little capital ($50k) it will be difficult to do a complete BRRRR project.

You need Landlord insurance which has minimal contents coverage.

In our area we are allowed to do this work ourselves, so the cost was minimal.

The creative strategies you use have to be tailored to reach your goals while minimizing those downsides and risks.