Unless you tell your friend to work 100 hours and you work 101 ;) According to prior tax court cases, travel time does NOT count toward material participation time.

This has always been the big downside to syndications - no tax deferral available without starting to daisy chain cost segregations and bonus depreciation.  

Originally I had a business credit card on file and come to find out they were 2 of the properties which had the insurance and taxes in escrow we were still being charged for.

You then, have to Homestead it in Florida for the Property Tax reduction.

.- We have taxes skyrocketing.- Cap rates are still lower than interest rates.

It saves 5% on the tax rate. 

Strong job growth, landlord friendly, low property taxes, cash flow opportunities, and proximity to one of the wealthiest areas in the world (Silicon Valley).

What taxes will we need to pay besides the capital gains tax? 

I studied business administration at American University and took a lot of courses related to finance/investing.

I'm think on starting on to obtain government listing (pre-foreclosure, tax liens, water shut off, etc) and also probably call or text Real Estate Agents on listings they might have that aren't on the MLS.