Credit is great and I would prefer OPM.

They will likely have lenders they prefer to work with. 

Preferably, find a CPA and Lawyer who are real estate investors themselves and work as a team to come up with the best solution for your business(s).

Nothing wrong with condos, but I prefer a SFH.    

There's a LOT of traffic goes through the Charleston area and most people would prefer an Air BnB type of rental over a hotel. 

In between the potential for special assessments, restrictive deeds, nosey HOA boards, and more complicated insurance scenarios...I'd prefer to pay more for a free standing property where none of those things are an issue.

I would prefer to make up the down payment of friends and family and debt for the rest.

Or would a DST earn more but considering tradeoffs you still prefer the index funds? 

I want to know what YOU would prefer?

In addition, we have a general contractor who preferred an equity stake in lieu of fees.