I can't imagine being in a partnership with someone that brings nothing to the table but expects the same return as you do.

There is a saying in business, "If you're sitting at the poker table for more than 15 minutes and you don't know who the patsy is, you're the patsy."

Don't leave this option OFF the table. 

Just need to set a date and place - I know Oscar’s would be willing to set aside some tables for us.

There is a "sponsor exemption" but that only allows an unlicensed person to raise money but it cannot be more than 50% of their duties and the pay they receive cannot be based on how much they raised.If you have never raised $, a family office will be off the table as they typically want the company to ahve atleast $50-$100M in assets. 

By the way, she doesnt turn on the heat then turn it off: she has never turned it on. she uses a small table top electric heater when she's home.Your suggestion is my "option 1" which Im afraid will be too costly for both of us.

With your background in computer science, math, and finance, you’re bringing some valuable tools to the table.

I realized I was pitching ideas without fully articulating the value I bring to the table.

I really scaled up my number of doors the last couple of years and didn't bring any new processes to the table and it feels like a mess.

What do you bring to the table and what do you need from a partner?