However, I do not like the idea of a partnership marriage.  

Congrats on the recent marriage, and on discovering the magic of real estate investing! 

They all have fantastic documentation.I hate to be so pessimistic but it really is like getting into a Marriage.

If you are not married, here is a good case for marriage if I ever made one, Christine: each of you can get ten conforming loans.Of course, marry wisely- the spouse should have enough income and good credit to qualify for a conforming loan, good looks and dishwashing skills aside.Also, since this would be a business tactic, let us know if the IRS would allow you to write off the wedding and the honeymoon as a business expense...

Warn a friend, it may save a marriage or a life!

I know people always say we are forever but they say that about marriage as well.. so life changes and now they have to sell.in a non appreciating market that property may sell for 100 or 110 k or it may sell for 90k as a used up 10 year old rental ?? 

If you are thinking about marriage make sure you start investing before you marry.

The second caution is with respect to:In addition to that, I live with a group of friends, and we are talking about buying at least one property together - first the house we live in, then we'll see how that goes.Believe me when I tell you that *all* partnerships end - marriage, business, performance, will all cease at some point in the future.  

I just wanted to say sorry to hear about the misfortune with your marriage.

@Wendy NobleWendy, I've read many of Jim's books but my favorite is the most recent book he wrote, "Street Smarts" as he talks a lot more about his personal life growing up: Born in October 19, 1942 in Alabama, getting accepted to Yale, failed first marriage, starting the Quantum fund with legendary George Soros etc., and his passion for investing.