I ask because I keep a comparison chart of real estate crowdfunding investments, and I’m constantly on the lookout for new and innovative platforms that I haven’t investigated yet.

And, when doing that, it doesn't matter exactly how you calculate cap rate for each building, as long as you do it the same way for both (since you're making a comparison). 

Some comparisons of tax advantages of SFRs vs syndications: On taxes, they both take advantage of depreciation.Syndications limit liability - it's strictly limited to the amount invested.Syndications are 100% passive, where as a property, even with a property manager involves some activityTypically SFRs are more volatile, which can be good or bad, whereas a syndication gives smaller investors access to larger properties with the same attractive returns but a lower risk profile.

Even if an 8 plex would be allowed, many zoning departments have requirements for parking and how many units you can have in comparison with the lot size.I have a single family home located on a lot that was rezoned for up to a 4 plex but I can't really do anything with it. 

In comparison if rent the home as is, you get 0 tenant paid mortgage service and as much as $4kmnth cash flow, which by the way is not only fully taxable BUT it also may adjust your tax bracket up as a whole, raising your taxes entirely there in muting that $4k net to being even less.

But, the benefits I've discovered far outweigh the disadvantages.Also, a comparison between purchasing within a ROTH (post-tax) and traditional 401k (pre-tax) can yield similar profits depending upon the terms, so you will need to do your own calculation.Here is an example:I purchased a portfolio of 7 properties in my ROTH IRA with partial seller financing.

The comparison table below might be helpful.

By comparison, apartment rents have gone up nearly 10% per year during the same period, and college tuition has gone up more than 10% per year.

One of my clients bought a property that was in the over lay in Charlston and I can tell you its a spectacular investment.. basically makes any other kind of buy hold pale in comparison.. as stated tough to find.. but boy is it worth the effort if you like rental income..

Travel agents are one of the best comparisons.