Even new construction l would want an idea of the quality of the build.

Cities seem to want permit fees over outright bans (shocker), and that at least allows quality hosts to operate.

That's about what they cost for quality.

I guess the word has a positive connotation that could be misconstrued as being a good quality lender.

Everyone told me with so much to do on the day, best thing to do is get a high quality group to invest in and sit back. 

I guess I look at it different than you, one of my  biggest fears is something happening to either one of them and having to replace  the quality partners in my operation that they have become.

That's why I'm currently training new staff to ensure we can always deliver properties with the required quality standard and efficiency.By the way, do you think it would be interesting to offer some basic customizations, like themed paper products or towels, during specific holiday months? 

Would it make sense if the co-owner paid rent and then we split the difference on anything outstanding that doesn't cover the monthly mortgage (mortgage is 2k/month. he pays rent of 1k and then we split the remaining 1k 50/50)?

With that said, we have decided to buckle down and focus on paying off our outstanding debt and saving up cash for the down payment on our first rental unit.

You can save money by buying smart, but don't buy cheap/lower quality because you get what you pay for and it may cost you down the road.