My whole real estate venture right now is so I can make it back out there someday ;)Also, your link is dead!

My goal is to acquire buy & hold rental properties long-distance and put systems in place to manage those properties to increase my passive income to free up time allowing me more family time and time to venture into other interests.

If the numbers don't make sense, I'd definitely recommend venturing out to other locations.

Before you take this venture, check into the price of license renewals with the state, cost to be a member of the MLS and the cost of brokerage fees.

(I don't see managing properties in a different state than you reside in being a profitable venture, only if you have established boots on the ground.

I did not know until last week that they were already lending in other real estate ventures. 

The reason I ask is because I have plenty of people who would go 50/50 with me on multiple properties, but I will not qualify for mortgages so I was trying to see what the best way to work around that is.Hey AJ,From my own personal Joint Ventures with other partners where I need a qualifier, it's best to not have you on title if your partner can qualify by him/herself.

If there are any actual investors in the area that have done these ventures, I would love to pick your brains and hear about your experiences. 

Question 3: Do I need a lawyer to help me in this venture?

There are private / hard money lenders that will do a joint venture with you.