I also have no idea whether you ran your numbers correctly, or whether your neighborhood is growing or dying.What I am saying is that the fact that you already own it is a huge benefit vs having to buy to invest.

That's certainly what I hope the people who are getting the benefits of me paying my share into these programs are doing.Hit the independent food banks and community outreach pantries, too.

Best part of syndications is that you can still take advantage of the tax benefits as well so you're still utilizing the best parts of REI, but no fixing toilets. 

That said, if my husband were to fund the trust with all of his personal assets like our house and make me the beneficiary would that really serve any benefit?

That amount will be less in the first year of ownership because it's prorated to the date you placed it in service (bought it).Whether you can benefit from that deduction or not may be the point of contention with your CPA.

Maybe it would be best to first do one under my name so I could benefit from some home buyer programs that wouldn't require as much money down? 

There are lots of benefits to it as well as pitfalls.

In regards to tax benefits, I would recommend talking to a quality CPA in your area.Robert Leonard

One of the benefits of the Albany area is renters may stay for long periods (this tenant had been living there for 13 years).

The more you put down the cheaper the loan which clearly benefits you at the end of the month!