Just looking to grow my network and exchange ideas / experiences. 

I have found a few run-down vacant homes; the owners owe a few years in taxes. could i offer to pay the taxes for them in exchange of the house?

A syndication group that we worked with on another deal (much simpler deal) has proposed to invest roughly $300,000 into the deal for the entitlement fees (and them handling all of the leg work) in exchange for a percentage of my grant deed.

Learn one thing, then move on to the next item.Because there are some things you don't have to learn, you only need money to pay someone who already knows it such as an attorney, or a CPA or a 1031 exchange specialist, etc...Good Luck!

When the income the plan receives is not taxed, but rather available to be reinvested, you gain the benefits of compounding that tax savings over time, and will be able to mushroom the savings value considerably as a result.In exchange for that tax-sheltered status of the IRA, there are rules to keep everything isolated within the IRA. 

you only have to for 6 months, but if you have a family or friend that could allow you then just pay for their utilities in exchange

First of all, the don’t actually do anything preventative such as lubing or cleaning.Back in the day, HVAC tune ups actually consisted of coil cleaning and perhaps electric relay exchanges , etc.

One thing I've done, on the advice of a mentor, is to offer a slightly lower rent, in exchange for a longer lease (24 or 36 months).

-Deduction of expenses & mngt fees from rentals -Deduction of mortgage int paid & lending costs -Additional tax sheltering if investing through a SDIRA or 401(k)-1031 exchange, pay no capital gains if investing money made into another RE deal (possibly the very best tax benefit only available in the US)!!

I know I'm trading them the data in exchange.