They just recently completely renovated one side of their A House Duplex and added another bathroom.

We are here in Minneapolis and most larger properties CoC are a little better than what you are describing. 

But storEdge is just one piece of the larger hardware, software and call-center package that they have put together (including customized programming that they have done on their own).So far I have not found a syndication sponsor that is more innovative at automating facilities and removing manual/human management.

Once you get above five units the game changes and it is outside of the wheelhouse for most real estate agents.If you're looking for larger 30+ units then you should connect and network with commercial multifamily brokers in your area.

Syndications require a private placement memorandum (PPM), which can be costly and usually only make sense on larger deals. 

I'm also beginning to take a lot of notes on building systems for each stage of process - selecting/assessing, financing, fixing/renovating, managing, etc.

I then want to renovate it, rent it out, then sell it in a couple years. 

@Amadeus Hladun where do you intend to get the renovation funds and do you actually have the skills to estimate correctly and execute a fairly major rehab ??

Fire damage can be minor if it isn't structural or it can force a tear-down or major renovation. 

I got a call and contracted a house for $120k that needed about $20k in renovations and would sell for about $200k.