I have begun reading books and articles  trying to educate myself before I start this journey. 

Based on what you've provided here, I'm going to assume the partner is a friend or family member- and not to rub salt in a wound, but most people think that makes a contract LESS necessary, which is the total opposite.

If there are roof issues, trees over hanging the roof, debris in the yard or whatever client's are getting non-renewal notices.The vast majority of insurance carriers are unprofitable or have just now started to return to profitability from several bad years.

Selling them together at a 9% cap rate would likely be successful as 8 units are unusual and the price point ($775,000) makes them accessible and unique for someone with a smaller amount who is getting started in bigger buildings What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Selling them together at a 9% cap rate would likely be successful as 8 units are unusual and the price point ($775,000) makes them accessible and unique for someone with a smaller amount who is getting started in bigger buildings.

Search Payment Standards in NJ or your area as a starting point. 

I recently switched insurance carriers for two of my rental properties and about two months after coverage started, I received a letter for each property with a list of items to be remediated within 40 days or coverage would be revoked.

You want to buy more rentals, so why not use the money to get started on that sooner rather than later? 

The builder will have more control after the project starts.

Advice on getting started?