I’d also prioritize getting pre-approved, securing financing, and starting small to build experience and momentum.Good luck!

This is exactly why you take a security deposit.

They know how to underwrite the property types and don't weigh the file down with a bunch of BS. 

Secure that income stream with your other keepers.  

I'm not a fan of novations where you don't get the purchase agreement notarized and filed at the courthouse.

You prpobably don't care about Ohio, but their requirements might be instructive.You can only file January 1 through March 31.

I still think they need to upgrade their security for me to trust their system again but at least their customer support was able to sort it out, just took some time.

Im aware that you cannot file or claim it on a non-primary property.

If you go with the partnership route1) You need to manage the money going in and out of the business bank account.2) File a partnership return and be responsible for issuing K-1's3) make distributions to you and your partner for cash flow that you receiveYou will likely spend many hours on a nice gesture.I may want to consider instead to give a christmas gift or a bonus for early completion of projects.

Securing legitimate deals is a great first step.