Out of state REI can out perform most investment choices but there is risk (I think all REI has some risk even if in CA has historically worked great past performance is not necessarily and indication of future performance).Good luck

The market must drive your final choice.  

Does anyone have a workaround for this, or do we as investors just have to make a choice now between anonymity/privacy and better interest rates?

I don't like life estates because resolution of remaindermen issues can be complicated as other title experts on this site have revealed even their difficulty with resolution.In California, an "estate for years" (really any time period defined) would be a better choice than providing title with life estate, IMHO.

Anyone have any additional choices they know?

After all, if you had the choice to choose between two types of investments, and could have an unlimited number of whichever category you chose, any reasonable person would choose to make a $10 return on a $10 investment, rather than a $100,000 return on a $10,000,000 investment, right?  

YMMV If it was my choice i will go with lowes all the time but unfortunately theres only a few here in Queens NY compare to Home depot where you can find them everywhere

Success is a process, failure is a choice

The best choice for how to own the property/structure the business is probably a question for your legal counsel and tax advisor.

Big bonus if the investors grew up here, live or work here, etc, but I think the most important aspect is the desire to make conscientious and responsible choices in their investments, and a commitment to helping the neighborhood grow.