In fact, some of them have been in the news lately and popped up on the foreclosure list as they are in trouble financially as well. 

Prioritize your financial stability.

Perhaps if your partner was a general contractor or handyman type there may be some merit there to reduce costs / increase profitability.If your partner enjoys deal sourcing, a better move might be for him to become an agent - so he could legally collect commissions from finding deals and managing properties for multiple people. 

After years of focusing on my career and building financial stability, I’m ready to dive into real estate investing and start creating passive income and long-term wealth.My short-term goal is to purchase my first duplex or single family rental. 

I can't believe how many there are, and they've added the Rookie, Financial, and who knows what else.BP doesn't investigate the claims of their guests.

@Drake BackmanBigger Pockets is a great place to find a tax strategist specializing in real estate taxation.A good real estate tax strategist can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding a tax  strategist specializing in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.Consider working with your tax strategist remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist willing to work with you throughout the year.

I'm a financial planner by profession so you'd think the default answer is, "heck yeah, always hire a planner!"  

I've been a financial planner for 17+ years and one of the main umbrella theories I've learned is that often times, the simpler things are the better they are. 

(2) Ask for a Personal Financial Statement?

Prioritize your financial stability.