commerical/retail advice -$1.3 partnerships and financing

[Brendan Chase]

hey all,

looking for advice on creating partnerships, and also financing for a $1.3 million or so commercial real estate property.

1.  Creating partnerships:  do I get a lawyer involved for legalize surrounding equal share partnership?  I'm thinking either thirds or quarters depending on my comfort level and interest. Also, should I be writing in that I gain a point or two by finding and putting together the deal?

2.  Bank financing:  met with a banker and they recommended asking seller about holding a note for a % of the down payment.  Does anyne have experience wtih this?  Thanks.

3.  Any other retail advice:  five store fronts and office space on teh second and third floor are currently rented to restaurants, food stores, architects etc.   Scary foray for me - any thoughts?

Thanks