Aside from the advice of "seek a real estate attorney", what is the best next step for us?

Tax Treatment of Partnership Versus Joint VentureOne of the main reasons business owners should be concerned about the election between a partnership and a joint venture is taxes.

I don't think there is much you can do right now aside from continue to seek education and think about your goals UNTIL you land the job.

No one's going to take the time to write a book in here, and everyone has their own opinions.As for contracts, you want to seek out what others in your area are using. 

As a lender, I'm seeking thoughts on structuring a joint venture with a borrower who intends to hold the property as a rental after rehabbing.  

I've been comfortable in the area I am in but want to seek out properties with lower property taxes and laws that are landlord friendly.

Are you seeking cash flow or appreciation? 

It would be nice to have a place where investors of a wide range of experience level gather and don't care about making money off of each other but only seek to have productive discussions and network with others.

I am seeking a low-doc, cash-out refi on two properties that I own in GA. 

Certainly don't want to cause myself tax issues, but I'm not claiming to be a qualified business seeking higher deductions either.