I also have a friend who inherited almost $40,000,000 and ran through it in 10 years by partnering with people he should not have trusted.You can also hire consultants (like me) to bring you up to speed in areas you can understand but lack experience, knowledge, or expertise in.

The listing agent (the one who put the property on that website) is hired by the seller and has the seller's best interests at heart. 

In short, he needs to have a material list before hiring the contractor?

1) Deep skip trace including all relatives2) Hire a Private InvestigatorGood Luck

It will mess with you naturally, you might think someone is going behind your back closing deals et...And last you guys need split EVERYTHING 100% and make sure your partner understand finances and what it take sto keep business flowing, if hes bad with money and you are, you will end up fronting every time mailing need to done etc..And it will hurt your relationship...Both you and your partner need to know, it cost to keep phone lines on, buying your mailing list cost, sending mail will cost, you might hire a couple VAs to do small things.. that will cost,  cleaning your list up making sure your addresses are correct will cost, going to see clients will cost you..Theres alot to having a partner so think of these things when you get into business with someone...Iron all of these out from jump..And of course things happen maybe a family emegengy and your partner cant afford to put as much everytime...Just make sure you work all of it out...

Do I have to hire an attorney?

Hire a property manager to start go to IREM.org search for ARM certified.Locate and attend 3 different local REIA club meetings great place to meet people gather resources and info.

However; should that not be possible, as to packages for such properties, if you buy an unfurnished property, you may be able to hire an interior designer, to handle the furnishing for you.

There's nothing worse than arbitrary rules, submitting what you believe meets the guidelines, only to find the guidelines are arbitrary.Find & hire architect that has worked w/ that society in the past.  

You can hire at attorneys, architects, or read through local master plans.