Buying out of area and partnering with a local investor

[Sean Dezoysa]

Hi, I notice in my area (Southern California) a few investors take the approach of buying out of area and partnering with someone locally. Sometimes this person is a friend or family but sometimes it is just another investor.

If any of you guys do this, what steps do you take to ensure the investor who will act as the local partner, will perform his responsibilites well?