We did out earn them.

You are going to have to earn that somehow.

If you don't have the extra cash, can you get creative with a private lender or partner stacked on bank debt? 

Most investors let the tenants pay down the mortgage and use extra money for their down payment on their next rental.  

The only question is if the increased risk of loss is worth the extra return. 

The BEST method for real estate investing is very simple: increase earnings, reduce expenditures, save, and invest from your own funds.You should focus on increasing earnings and learning how to manage your budget.

Let’s talk strategies to help all of us keep more of our hard-earned money!

Net earnings were about $400,000/year, so the business component of the sale was valued at about 3X, or $1.2M. 

Although it isn't some miraculous contract that will hold a buyer hostage, there can be repercussions to you and/or the agent you eventually earn a commission with.

Consult someone who actually knows what they are talking about/does this for a living, but most of your tax savings are only going to offset the earnings of the partnership rather than one of you individually.