The barrier is not technological capability - there are 10s of thousands such buildings in Europe {search on Passivhaus} - but lack of will (economic and political).Equally important, and potentially more difficult problem to solve, is retrofitting of existing building stock to achieve significant energy use reductions in a cost effective manner.  

Here are the costs to address the issues uncovered by these experts: 1.Wood floor and wall in the middle unit: $44,000 + tax + $2,800 for permit, but engineer report is needed for a formal quote.2.Roof above the middle unit: $8,000 + tax + $800 for permit + ply wood;3.Sewer line outside the building (see estimate): $7,365 total;4.Sewer line inside the building (see estimate): $21,663 total;The total cost plus 10% contingency is equal to $100,000 in repairs that I cannot afford to pay and still be able to fulfill my obligations to you and to the tenants that will have to be displaced for the duration of repairs.In addition, the appraisal came in at $275,000 that is considerably below the $340,000 number.Proposed solution: You will complete all the electrical repairs and ensure all three units are brought up to current code including the outlets.You will have the stucco repaired on the exterior that was damaged by the electrical proof.

Though I'm not new to investing and finance (it's probably an equal interest with software engineering) I am a total newb to real estate: I've only ever rented and own no property.

I have 100-150K to put towards deals and would hope that my partner would bring an equal value of capital or experience to the table.

But I would hope to build a partnership and eventually have him buy into a equal share position where profits could be split 50/50.Thoughts anyone???

Can you split the proceeds from a SF home sale into 2 down payments on properties of equal or greater value?

If you are 50/50, you will both have to provide equal amounts of documentation and the jet for your foreign national partner will be having US Banked Assets of his own and deoenging on the lender, loan type and term, the FN partner may need a FICO score as well.Good luck 

Concurrently with #1, I would see if I could get an equally reliable car with a lower monthly payment than the one with the 10k remaining on the loan, or ask myself whether I even needed a second car (maybe in Texas, you do, but it's also possible to carpool, take public transit, bike, etc.)  

Now all things being equal and your goal is principal reduction then go for it.

The investments that you choose not to make are equally as critical as the investments you do make.