I am trying to come up with a scenario/structure that would be beneficial for me in the long run, as far as not taking profits in the immediate future, and beneficial for a partner in the short(er) term.

Getting that curly W is super for motivation.You might also consider adding Land Trust to your toolbox as a means to improve anonymity and for ease of transfer since you can simply assign beneficial interest. 

Sellers may see this as beneficial to themselves, and believe that buyers will build these pre-disclosed facts into the contract price (and thus sellers may be reluctant to provide any credits for these defects).The buyer elects to perform inspections on the property as agreed upon in the contract.

Not necessary to do do business as an investor, but in my experience it has been extremely beneficial for lots of reasons.

I find that dealing with a single house is a bit of a headache but I was thinking - maybe it would be more beneficial to focus on selling and opting for a 4 unit which has more doors and through an FHA, I can control higher value real estate and walk away with cash. 

We're always looking for new members as it's mutually beneficial.

I don't think becoming a licensed agent will benefit me in the short term but it may be beneficial long term. 

Any advice would be greatly beneficial, thank you.

It is all up to what the specific parties find to their mutual best benefit.

From my understanding, more than most other markets.Having a property manager who not only knows the regulations and implementing them, but keeps up with the latest laws would be beneficial.