Yep both enjoying the investment both short term and as a Longterm investment.  

A tenant now enjoys these enhancements at $1400/month, showcasing the property’s increased value.

Perhaps if your partner was a general contractor or handyman type there may be some merit there to reduce costs / increase profitability.If your partner enjoys deal sourcing, a better move might be for him to become an agent - so he could legally collect commissions from finding deals and managing properties for multiple people. 

I am currently enjoying my 1k monthly income with no debt, and I am nervous about leveraging.  

As @JonathanGreene said, tech has created an environment that allows folks like you Jon, to enjoy investing on your terms so that you do not put all of your eggs into one basket (so-to-speak).

Although I’m just getting started, luckily I've being able to invest in 2 mutli-family properties in New Jersey, it was a lot of work but I really enjoyed it.

Whie DOS lender risk may or may not be high, being ininsured is... well, enjoy your 'asset protection'.

There are landlords who are proud to own properties while offering their communities a nice and safe place to live (and enjoying the benefits of having someone else pay for your appreciating asset).

Plus you can use it for enjoyment over the years..

But when it comes to choosing or creating investments that will produce a return along with personal fulfillment or enjoyment, then I say it definitely matters what you invest in and where you invest.