Property you purchased specifically to resell does not qualify for 1031 but I hear you waffling between two strategies. 

Specifically, off street parking.

I’m looking for some specific advice on structuring a small (<$250k) private real estate fund.

I don't know the answer to your specific question, but I have one word of caution.  

Specifically, if the title to a property is in my name and I deed it to an LLC (setup as a partnership) that is wholly owned by myself, does it trigger a taxable event? 

I'm looking to absorb as much information as I can on real estate, specifically multi-family home rentals. 

Our MLS syndicates with about every online site--sometimes I'll list a property, and within 10 seconds of the final 'enter' button hit, I'll get an email from Zillow.Social media, IMO is more for self-promotion rather than promoting a specific listing.Lastly, if the property is priced right, you won't have to worry about marketing it for long.

Forgive me for holding some specific details back as I hold this idea close to me. 

Regarding short sales specifically, not sure where you’re getting your information about it being harder to obtain a waiver of deficiency lately.

Work it backwards.. meet cash buyers at local investor meetings, get an understanding of exactly what they are looking for, their criteria.. search for those specifics.