It seems to be becoming a very popular choice.

Is Syndication still a preferred/popular platform for investors?

I think it will likely happen more as we begin to enter a rising interest rate environment.

Here is my take on it- I feel like it is something transitory. the rules around it were very relaxed in the beginning, but now yo ucan see as it gains popularity, the govt wants to be involved in what you can/can't do.

Also I think it will be advantageous to pick an office that is fairly popular in the area. 

Would you agree to it, but ask the tenant to also sign a contract stating they're responsible for any issues that arise (painting, scratch on the floor, etc)?

Those have been very popular markets with our investor clients.

Problems arise when the buyer doesn't do enough homework, makes promises of 'saving her credit' and such stuff, possibly charges an upfront fee, moves forward with offers/contracts... only to find out that there are other liens (e.g. taxes, second mortgages, mechanics liens, etc.) and the buyer bails out.

As far as what areas to look at, there's a lot of chatter about a lot of popular markets out there right now.

I guess this could be the competitiveness of the market combined with flipping being so popular again but I don't see how these guys could be getting many repeat buyers with the deals I'm being sent.