The rental market is competitive and they will have difficulty finding something, can’t count on them leaving on schedule.

They also use conservative leverage, and put huge skin in the game in every deal (10% or more).

A private lender would be very pleased with that degree of "skin" in the game.  

Find something you really enjoy doing and look forward to.my specific advice is to get up earlier and do the workout then, at least if you start running into difficulties finding the time.

In order to investigate this option, thoroughly investigate the market, establish investment criteria, assemble a local team of experts, investigate financing options, investigate potential properties with due diligence, and be mindful of potential risks like difficulties with remote management, market fluctuations, tenant turnover, and regulatory variances.

I udnerstand this is a business and not a charity but of course having to make these decisions the first time is a little difficult. I

When you decide to make a big change or try something new in your life, facing difficulties at the outset is almost a given.

I don't think there is a single person in the business who is as blunt, crass and transparent about problems, difficulties and issues one will face while investing in the rental property industry as I am......Lol but even that can be open to criticism.

It sounds like if you just structured it giving him commissions it would not really work out considering he clearly wants more involvement/skin in the game on the project.Maybe just split it LLC 50/50 and the commission savings is a preferred return over his split on the exit?

Having a good mentor to help you navigate will influence the level of difficulty and how you maneuver so I think it’s highly important.