I definitely prefer to be an asset and not the kind of small business person that doesn't enrich or contribute. 

Thank you in advance for your advice and connections – looking forward to contributing to the community as well!

@Jessica HowellIn the operating agreement we typically put like $1,000 as initial contribution.

Keep tracking equity contributions, as this will be crucial when transitioning property B into a rental or selling your share.

If I am in your shoes I would buy 2-4 units, get a conventional loan, ask the sellers to pay for the max contribution (3%) towards closing costs.

Obviously, there are other factors that can contribute to the cost.

Remember, the notion of amassing wealth without investing is a dangerous myth perpetuated by self-proclaimed experts.

Transfer it into a Roth IRA 6.5k as you are able (IRS contribution limits will make this take a while).  

My question is - is it more advantageous to have me own the business entirely so that I can capitalize on the tax deductions & tax refunds so that I can in turn contribute more capital to purchase future properties together?  

If banks controlled all this business and did away with the broker model and like what I experienced the lender was a bank employee and was on salary not commish.. docs are prepped by the bank ( on my commercial loans that is free no charge NO JUNK Fees at all just appraisal and 1/2 a point to maybe 1 point. this is a stumbling block for owner occ especially first time buyers who dont have money for closing costs and generally need the seller to contribute you know I see it all the time on my starter homes that I finance for flippers.. virtually everyone has seller assist on it to pay for all the junk fee's and brokers fees.. its getting paid somewhere and that just makes it harder for those buying homes to live in ..