But some (Dave Ramsey) people would rather have just a few paid off properties making just a little cash flow.

Quote from @Juan Castillo: Most people "dream" of investing in real estate.

2) How did you structure your first deal, and what challenges did you face?

I am just curious how people scale when they don’t have a lot of liquid cash like me?  

If your in a market facing off against me as competition to lease a property..... good luck, your gonna need it. 

And the split is whatever you decide on. 50/50 is what a lot of people usually do.

There's no reason to provide details, though I do let people know if anyone asks that we do not accept bulk up-front rent payments or anything like that because I absolutely do not want a prospective tenant to think that someone else swooped in with a bunch of cash last minute.

I've seen a lot of people try this, and they rarely use the home. 

Plus, I’m not a “people person” and I know my weaknesses. 

I am in talks with a couple people now.