Sounds like there is a lender involved so there would be docs that need to be notarized. 

We live in separate areas, would we need to get notarized?

probably notarized.

A joint venture and syndication may often look alike but, really, are governed by vastly different laws.Primarily governed by a contract law, a joint venture involves a few business partners who, regardless of whether they invest in the deal or not, are all actively involved and each contribute unique skills to the overall success of the project.

You can have a notarized side agreement as to what you will pay them when you sell the property. 

Her plan was to 1031 it to another property, where she would have had to visit the US embassy to sign and notarize the loan docs. 

Maybe have it notarized or sign with a witness would be enough?

I an wondering if this is a food idea of not are condos a good place to start or are they a bad investment, and should I wait and keep looking for a house?

Are utilities included or not? Are

I've had others who have admitted their boss brought in a document signed by someone else but because the boss vouched for the authenticity of the signature went ahead and notarized it anyway.