Holding costs include paying taxes, insurance, utilities as a minimum for the duration of the Rehab and sales period.  

I think you are referring to "cash for keys," be it through a formal rent control method,  or through ad hoc agreements with the tenants (cash and free rent for "x" period of time, etc..).

Since you don't own the asset yet, you shouldn't be discussing with tenants.One step that is sometimes forgotten is, once you have made a serious offer (your due diligence period), you should explicitly ask the seller ( as part of the offer) NOT to enter into another leasing agreement at prices/conditions not approved by you. 

However, if the evaluation was lowered, I would refund the previous owner for the time period it was lowered while he owned it.   

For the past few months I’ve been getting my education( listening to BP podcast, reading books, etc).

I know there are note investors in it for a longer period, but they are buying existing non-performing notes at a discount, making them perform, and then selling or holding. 

Do a 1 year lease, but with a 60 day trial period.

In regards to Syndication solicitations I don't consider the Pyramid schemes, When I've looked into them, they're actually people looking to do Partnership agreements and raisings funds, but because they're not educated or understand the industry they're trying to make money in, they're misusing the term Syndication, these people who have never purchase one single property trying to Syndicate deals once again is asking for trouble one way or another.

Be sure to check out everything available under the Education tab on the top menu, a lot of your answers will be answered there. 

Sign a contract with the seller , give yourself an inspection period.