If you or know anyone that I can be pointed to the right direction, it would be much appreciated.Looking for a hand up not a hand out! 

It's best when starting out to keep it simple and have one LLC as you're accumulating your first few properties as they can get costly to renew each year ($200 in NC) @John Warren

I've seen the areas you mentioned on some of my searches, but if you're local and can see the conditions first hand, I'm confident in taking a look at the same areas you mentioned.

Simply ask the syndicator if they would be open to connecting you to a handful of investors who have known and invested with them for a long time. 

I think it's their way of saying that they won't be working with a bank or doing inspections, it has to be a simple transaction. 

I recommend keeping it simple and sticking with the lease (and let the PM handle it...don't dedicate mind share to these kinds of things). 

For example, a simple Series LLC with anamynity trust would run around $3k or less. 

Should I speak with an attorney before hand? 

But after seeing nothing but a hand drawn sketch and some questioning of the "builder" it was clear he would be in way over his head.Building is never a cut and dried thing, so trying to get reimbursed for your extra expenses is unlikely.  

My goal is to be financially independent and not have to rely on a paycheck all the while being able to build a portfolio that can be handed down to my 2 kids.