There are two things at play here: (1) the dimensions of the old deck, which cannot be increased without triggering a variance of building code (unless you have a larger lot and 20+ feet of space from the back and 15+ feet on either side - don't quote me on the exact numbers)

In my opinion you should lead people here and if they have the will power to learn and follow through then build partnerships with those people.

But there are many creative ways to work around this (e.g. buy with another person's credit thru partnership).  

I currently live in the Chicago area, interested in getting into REI, and seeking to find folks in the area interested in working together in a team or partnership to invest in RE here.  

Benson is really booming the past couple years and has really gentrified, but it is close enough to high crime areas that I just hesitate to pull the trigger there (no pun intended).

Partnership with local may help to get financing

A couple ideas are buy as tenants in common with a JV agreement, or form a partnership/LLC.  

Augusta Walk is being built where the old YWCA was on Augusta and is roughly sandwiched between Washington Heights and Chicora Crest - the new craftsman style mixed income houses Quinn Satterfield built in a public private partnership. 

I was looking at a deal with 2 investors who want to form a partnership.

3: I know David has advised against partnerships but has anyone made a 50/50 partnership like this work?