For instance, in the very ideal case, if the home is $300K, we each get a $150K mortgage?

My realtor thinks I got a great deal, even though I went against my ideals this time and offered above asking price and I feel I may have made an emotional decision with the offer. 

Ideally one of the partners should be full time on this project.  

Otherwise a subject to deal is ideal where its put in a trust that has their name, so not to trigger due on sale clause, and at some point you pay off the loan.

Ideally it would it would cash flow or at least break even.  

I notice now they also do monthly rentals on their web sites (intended to rent for 2-3 months)... which would be ideal for me.

Could be worse but this is not ideal.

Ideally you offer 2 or 3 yrs depending on your circumstances with an option to have a one time 6 or 12 month extension. 

In layman terms, its ideal because if the numbers work, you will have your tenant paying your mortgage and you will be living rent free.Most on the site will agree, this is a great way to get started.Listen to the BP podcasts and frequent the forums with any questions you have.  

Holding a house open is one of the best things you can do to find clients.Look at yourself carefully and decide what you can and ideally what you like to do that is of value to a home buyer or seller and that is different from other agents.