He has been alongside me on the other deals so I’d like to give him equity/skin in the game and I don’t know how else to do itQuote from @Basit Siddiqi: Getting a property with a partner / friend will not help you from getting hosed on taxes.I wouldn't move forward - You mentioned beng a high income earner so your hourly rate is very high.

We are 8 days from closing and the seller's realtor informed me that we would not be getting the security deposits as that was not written into the contract.

I've always liked real estate (I actually have family with long connections to construction) and after reading a lot about real estate investing, I decided to start working as an agent in order to get the most firsthand experience possible, so when my time comes -first investment deal- I'll be more than ready and acknowledged in this market.

As Andrew said, starting with a house-hack is a great way to get started.

Get a gander at your competition and see what they are offering and take it up a notch.You might check Fiverr or TaskRabbit (not sure for interior designer) and see who is out there.They should be able to help you out remotely and without spending a ton of dough.

I happened to get lucky this year and had minimal expenses there.

I don't get a huge amount, but it is a good stream.

By the end of year 2 you can get bank financing.

As Jay said, someone is getting screwed.

not sure I believe that 90% of millionares get there with RE.