If you are not willing to do that be sure to work with the qualified expert in the field who can help you ensure that it is done properly. 

Our expectation was that the value they brought to the table was in vetting the sellers and helping to ensure a smooth deal.  

Also, you need to ensure that you don't have any prepayment penalties on the loan that you referenced in your post.

There are some big players in the field like Sean Terry who have a whole team set up and even an office building.

If you go the route of seller financing the seller can name her kids as the remainder beneficiaries to ensure continuity of payments.

They are responsible for the damages regardless, but the renters insurance policy ensures that you actually recover said damages with the least amount of hassle possible. 

What other topics would you begin studying to ensure you've got the right skills for syndication?

A Seller is just as interested in your authentic offer and the propensity to close as you are (a real Buyer) and they will take steps to ensure the two of you are moving toward an agreed price and terms like you should.

You will be put in touch with a very nice person from Ashley Furniture Company (who will send very authentic-looking e:mails with the actual company logo), who will instruct you how to wire the payment for the furniture directly to the company to ensure timely delivery for the good doctor and his stressed wife.The financier cannot thank you enough for saving him, and agrees to immediately forward another cashier's check to cover the amount you wired to the furniture company (anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000).

Please understand that Qualified Intermediaries, in general, are not licensed, regulated or required to be insured or bonded and have no minimum equity capitalization requirements.We recommend that you consider the following risk criteria prior to selecting a Qualified Intermediary:(1) The technical expertise and experience of the Qualified Intermediary(2) The level of protection provided by the Qualified Intermediary's errors and omissions insurance coverage, which protects you against possible mistakes made by the Qualiied Intermediary(3) The level of protection provided by the Qualified Intermediary's Fidelity bond coverage, which protects you from potential theft or embezzlement of your 1031 Exchange funds by the Qualiied Intermediary(4) The practice of using Qualified Trust Accounts or Qualified Escrow Accounts to ensure that your 1031 Exchange funds are protected by law as fiduciary funds(5) The protections provided through licensing, auditing, and regulatory oversight by regulatory authorities I hope this helps, and if you have any questions please feel free to give me a call or pm.