Often, I wish I could convert the entire PM into a thread for the benefit of all (perhaps a future programming function for @Joshua Dorkin )With that said, I really encourage all members, both new to BP, new to investing, I seasoned vets to ask their questions in the forums so not only one person can answer, but many providing better feedback with many points of views on questions where they consist of opinions and experience rather than simple facts.Clearly there are cases where the question is much more of a personal and private issue and not as appropriate fir public forum view, therefore, these types of questions should remain in a private PM ore email.I still encourage those to PM me, but I do suggest to all that they use the forums as often as possible as you will certainly get much more out if it!

I'm extremely interested in meeting successful investors in the area to gain partnerships and do future business with a close knit group that I can trust.

If the sellers wants to do that they already know groups of private partnerships and REIT's that will buy or cash all day long for extra yield.

This is how I began, our partnership included two of us with great credit and no cash, and a realtor with cash and lousy credit!

Indeed, the thought of pulling out walk-ins and hoods has kept me from going full ahead with a repurpose, hoping someone with some skill will step in to operate a fully functional space.

My short term goals are to help investors as a broker and to do a couple of fix and flips of my own or in partnerships. 

Would you recommend a partnership in my situation or do you have any advice for people who are ready to do it, but just afraid to pull the trigger because they know they don't know enough yet?

You can easily earn 6-14% return on your money though writing first and/or second mortgages to other investors.Another almost hands-off approach is to partner with an experienced investor - naturally with a proven track-record of success - in your area - either in direct partnership or purchasing into a syndication.  

Partnership.

Try investing a smaller amount into some form of syndication, partnership or crowdfunding until you have enough to go at it alone.