I find most in our area if you ask for referral to a certain sub they will share.And I guess if I was asked i would normally ask the sub if they want me to connect them..

Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusion

How long is normal to make initial investment back?

@Kevin GlassbergA syndication is just a cool term where a sponsor / general partner / deal finder pools money from limited partners / those with money to purchase an asset that will provide cash flow and/or appreciation.Syndications can be in start-up companies, venture capital funds, stocks, bonds, or real estate.We are on a real estate forum so we can discuss real estate syndications.A real estate syndications big sell is that it is hands off for the investor who doesn't have time to manage along with access to deals that he/she may not be able to do on her own.The cons are that you lose some control along with having a hold period that is normally dictated by an operating agreement(illiquid asset).Best of luck

Normally a tax lien does not need to be recorded in order to valid.

Property seizure is a good way to gamble with loosing your rental to pay a judgment.Failure to comply with the eviction statutes will, at some point, cost you big time. 

Other people I'm sure will have their suggestions for those and will normally include Tampa, Jacksonville, and a few others on the West coast. 

I do a walk-through about a week before to see if there is anything I need to plan for, other than a normal cleaning, we do the cleaning the day they move out, or the next, so they are usually only vacant for a day or two.

I can see it being tough to rent in the winter though if a normal vehicle has trouble getting up the hill.

Yes, 6% or 3% per side normally paid by the seller if it is an on market deal is normal.