Syndication deals, letter of intent

[Peter Bui]

Hey everyone, For some newbie questions for you and if you can help I would greatly appreciate it! So let’s say I find a good deal on an apartment complex and I don’t have the down payment. I seek an investors help who I know who does the down payment. Would I need a letter of intent? Letter of intent is different than escrow contract ? And what’s stopping the investor to just find the address and pursue the deal anyways without me? Any books you guys recommend on reading on dealing with deals like this? Maybe syndication related books. Thanks in advanced! Peter