I have been in the real estate investment business my entire adult life and struggle to get a MF deal done.

Because if you need to live off the cash flow what you're really looking for is a business. 

@Avani PatelFor my flipping business, I prefer to use fewer software programs to streamline things.

If I put myself in the shoes of the outside partner/investor friend, I would be very concerned because: 1) unclear and/or potentially conflicting business plan, 2) even with clarity in the BRRRR business plan, unclear in the viability of pulling it off with these market conditions, 3) the chances of dispute seems very high, especially if you're going to live in. 4 years ago, I went through a  similar thought process when purchasing an investing property with mainly my family money, while considering an outside investor to rehab for higher STR ROI... 

It's also good to read local business journals and visit the chamber of commerce website. 

Solar has an energy credit and Starlink is deductible as business expense. 

I’m looking to get started in the fix-and-flip business and have a few questions.

Assuming you could take out a couple 100k you would have the buying power to start a cash recycling business (brrring or flipping).

THAT's the beautiful side of this business far to few ever see. 

If you have your own business/self-employed you might qualify for a Solo 401(k) or multi-participant 401k whereby you can self-direct into real estate with those funds.