The hospitality element plays a huge role. 

Currently I work Hawaii (I’m from there and know it well) but I live in Texas and am wanting to try my hand in or around my local area, if not somewhere in the contiguous 48.I still work Hawaii, but the person I work with is specific to there and I want to take on a lead/independent wholesaler role.

then there is taking a role in the financing such as hard money lender or notes.

At that point I might be considered to be engaging in brokerage with my role reduced to a "lead generator" for my contacts/employers, the Buyers, who are essentially paying me a finders fee.

I would like to know more about the role of zoning attorneys and the potential costs of involving them in organizing and submitting the proposal to the appropriate departments.

You must clearly define roles and responsibilities while addressing all the what-if scenarios.

What's your role within Bakerson?

This seems mostly an academic exercise as lease rate and Cap Rate are largely set by the market.

Do not confuse the role of a business a Section 8 investor with any type of charitable endeavor. 

In your situation the OA is going to play a more substantial role because you have a partner.