To me that extra step is worth not having a balloon payment and slightly higher rate.Now with joint ventures, properties that are 5+ units, or it is short term financing I look at hard money, private loans, commercial financing, etc.

@Miguel Castillo Miguel going to challenge your KC food knowledge here... ask your network for the best vegan joint in town!

I track all of my spending and deposit exactly what i need to pay my bills into a separate joint account, all of my bills deduct from that account and I give myself a strict food and gas budget for the week and thats really it.

I would highly recommend signing a Joint Venture agreement that spells out exactly what each of you are responsible for and how the profits/losses are split. 

I am married with no kids and both my wife and I file jointly and claim "0" for our W4 as she works as a teacher.

I am married with no kids and both my wife and I file jointly and claim "0" for our W4 as she works as a teacher. 

Community property laws generally make all property acquired during marriage and all money earned during marriage joint property/money.

I would have them both apply separately, and if they are approved, sign a jointly and severally liable 12 month lease with them.

Research life estates and joint tenancies. 

However, I am a member of several different companies organized as Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) where members invest in a project (Single Purpose Entity) or projects (like a real estate LTH company) jointly, similar to (but different than) what you may see in a syndication or investment club investment.