I would caution against getting a partner, there are some real downsides no matter who it is, I’ve been through it with great people and it can be difficult to manage two visions.

@Dan Bowe - The truth it, you need real life experience prior to taking other people's money.

I have started looking for listings recently.I am a bit confused when people ask to "shop around" for a conventional loan.

A lot of people have fallen asleep at the wheel when it comes to that issue and the risk is that, once people realize how bad it is, they will stampede out of the market and there might not be buyers at any price.

Many times I have been in the home they choose 3-4 times for previous sales years ago, so can tell them all about updates, etc.I think many people are getting ready to have a rude awakening in the coming year or two and when people get burned with no representation or loose a lot of money.

You can do both usually you want someone that can lead a team and convert the lead and sell if they need too and most people with that skill set are currently working.

Contractors can be some of the least reliable people on the planet - no offense to the good one (singular) reading this.  

An investor buys, flips, rents, manages people, and hold assets. 

Too many people want to go out of city of state because they are chasing the 'better' returns.

I am looking forward to meeting some people doing real estate investments in Arizona and elsewhere.