@Jake Oakes one of the tough things about owning properties long term is that you have to always be thinking several steps ahead of everyone else.

note, I believe it is a tough RE market everywhere.  

I feel you need to get by the work you have put in plus your value added material and expertise.

Especially in todays' day and age with all the chaos going on in the world.It's important to have a vivid vision and use that keep yourself going when the going gets tough!

It's pretty comprehensive.In terms of adding units...that's a tough one. 

One began selling custom flip flops, (bought their own material with money saved), Another who was always encouraged with a camera, attempted to take pics for young people proms, birthdays etc.Then they helped me with a former biz of cleaning up HUD properties during the housing crisis on early 2000’s.Next, but not all of the details for sake of my response.

Congrats on the win - it's always refreshing to read some good news, especially during the tough times people have been going through this past year. 

Finding phone numbers / getting responses is tough.

Its tough to give more advice without actual numbers to see the sale proceeds versus the down payments.Nothing wrong with a 50/50 split other than when it comes time to take out your share in cash other than split rents. 

Composite materials are another option; they’re durable and low-maintenance, but they cost more initially.