Call me a party pooper but I think they're lame and a waste of time.

I don't call contactors and waste there time.

Structuring it this way minimizes the risk for both partners and motivates me to get it done as quickly and inexpensively as possible.

We have been pretty minimal in Arizona but places like Texas and Florida are a minimum 15% with no claims.

Meanwhile, holding the properties personally allows you to use generally cheaper residential loans, and you don’t have the operating overhead of the LLC, as minimal as it might beThere is no tax benefit to the LLC.

Tell him the facts and move on, no sense in wasting time with a guy like this.

The cash out of both properties should be enough equity out for a DP and minimal TLC repairs if needed. 

Personally, I would do everything you can to recoup the financial investment you made as fast as possible while minimizing additional investment into the building. 

I try to minimize what they take with them on the day of signing.

Our value add was fairly minimal.