A properties and A performance from you as an owner attracts and retains A tenants. 

The other risk is that a syndicator may show you historical performance of their last few deals, but those deals were done in 2010, 2012 and 2014, so the performance was propelled up by market forces.

I've seen many other companies capitalize on training over the past few years and now have either faded away or change their curriculum since the non-performing note market has dwindled. 

Strong performance from your first investment is going to give you an invaluable sense of confidence and enthusiasm.As far as knowing the midwest, get with someone who invests in & someone who manages property in the market you're considering.

Overall we agreed to pay off their back taxes and let them stay in the property for an unspecified period of time (we estimate 2-3 years at least) for $450 /month and they cover all repairs and improvements to the property along with their own utilities.

Minor cosmetic improvements.

Minor cosmetic improvements.

Then most large home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc offer free installation on carpet if you buy from them.  

Team building exercises seem to be an effective way of building the team as they move through their various stages of forming, storming, norming and performing ((https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_86.htm).  

As a landlord myself, I appreciate the surplus of investors coming in and improving the neighborhoods here with flipped homes that would otherwise continue being dilapidated properties.