But from my research and talking with local lawyers it seems that a sole proprietorship is often fairly weak.

NO BANK will finance a commercial deal this small or weak financials.  

We both have our strengths and weaknesses.

This is a perfect example of how partnering allows you to augment your weaknesses with someone else's strengths.  

It doesn't matter how well the LLC agreement is drafted if you don't respect the corporate form, run personal expenses through it, under fund it, establish it in a weak jurisdiction, etc.

The credit history will allow you to see if a lower score is the result of a single traumatic event (divorce, job loss, etc) or a chronic pattern of not being able to manage finances.

What are your weaknesses?

As most of us are self employed, I am sure that is a weakness that  many of us have.

Weenies want weak-willed work!

Remember, earthquakes will find the weak spots in your home.