Multiple small-time partners?

[Ryan Moran]

New investor here, and I'm trying to learn about all my financing options while I'm searching for a buy-and-hold investment.  I have a handful of friends/co-workers who would love to invest with me, but each of them only has $5,000-$10,000 to work with.  Is it worth our time/effort to include them in potential deals?  I want to say "yes," but how to go about doing so?

My goals are monthly cash flow, and I've been looking at properties (mostly duplexes) in the $70,000-$120,000 range.  Could I pull two friends together and with me split the down payment three ways offering them a return on their money or ownership in the property?

What would you do?