This is healthy conversation and much needed for many newbies who are getting turned down. 

When you start digging out a basement that was never meant to be one, you stand a chance of compromising the integrity of the foundation by exposing or undermining the footers, removing soil that was used for stabilization purposes, etc.

With that freedom, I can be more...... available and energetic to my wife and kids... philanthropic, more often (and more generous when I do it)... physically healthy (would train for a marathon right now if I had the time!)...

It's not just personal credit at jeopardy here, an owner is responsible for providing a safe and healthy living space which means fixing things which means additional capital.

The LLC will give some protection, but a healthy amount of insurance would also be an option, especially for your partner.As for forming the llc, that is easy enough to do in Georgia - it is $25 for the name registration, $100 for the filing and then $50/yr for renewal.https://georgia.gov/popular-topic/corporations-llc

You the pilot fish get an easy snack or information and lesson and the shark your mentor gets to stay healthy and clean.

Sensors in roof, siding, surrounding soil, etc.

I'm not sure what crop land is going for in OK - guess it depends on if it's dryland or irrigated land and the type of soil, crop land vs pasture etc - anyways lets say you get 2-3k an acre - that's plenty to get you going. 

I'm kind of surprised I'm healthy! 

In Phoenix you can avoid the requirements for a grading and drainage plan, soils testing and building pad by classifying as a remodel instead of new build.