Partner Gets 3% Commission, Negotiate?

[Matthew Swope]

I am seriously considering partnering with a seasoned real estate agent and broker who already owns multiple SF homes and a 4 plex.  The goal is to build a large portfolio of multi family units with equal investment.

Should I negotiate the 3% commission my partner receives when purchasing properties for our portfolio?  For context, we are looking at Duplexes and 4 plexes with the immediate short term goal of a million dollar portfolio. 

One part of me says I would need to use an agent anyway so it's great my partner makes money and has more reserves instead of non-partner agent. Another part says, why don't we get the seller to knock off 3% and not charge a buyers commission which would reduce the sellers cap gains and cost our partnership less. Even still, another part says, partner has to put x% of buyers commission into LLC emergency fund which is returnable upon sale of property or when emergency fund is funded to y% with net profits.

I’ll take any thoughts on the 3% commission. Thanks BP.