@Bill Exeter Hi yes I would appreciate them as we live in Carlsbad and are new to the investment side and would appreciate working with someone knowledgeable and experienced.

Try searching Airbnb for 30+ day stays and Furnished Finder to see what similar properties are going for in your area.

Move in to it and fix it up and stay there for 2 years to be tax exempt.

I guess which public record are you staying out of? 

He will provide all the construct knowledge and build a new home.

Both myself and my GF work in MV so if the numbers work we'd like to stay nearby.

It's up to you to lay out those requirements, as long as it's within the law, and there's nothing in any law that says you have to allow illegal immigrants to stay in your property.  

In summary, do you think it's a good idea for me to partner with someone for my first deal, put in some or all of the money, take a smaller return, but gain knowledge and confidence to start on my own in the future?

I have stayed away from Baltimore in the past because of ground rent and some other things.

And, yes, absolutely I will stay respectful.