I am looking to connect with others here on BP to learn and build some positive friendships.

And, the bonus is developing those connections and friendships. 

Are you willing to ruin a good friendship?

You cannot communicate with other members unless you set up a 'friendship'.

I don't want to ruin a friendship over a business transaction.

We who have been in this biz for awhile joking refer to this also as "6 things that kill deals, ruin people, and destroy friendships."  

Being friends and doing business are very different relationship dynamics and good friendships are often ruined by business partnerships and deals, There are some that do work but usually the opposite is the norm.That being said you need to decide on all of the roles everyone will play, how decisions will be made, who is contributing money and how much, how it will be spent etc.

In other words, they use friendship as a lever to be rid of something that's a PITA.

Friendships have formed and it's really become a community.

In that scenario you would have to be prepared to lose the friendship...