I'm a CPA who does a fair amount of work in the real estate industry and owns multiple residential rental properties as well.

from onset I mean.It depends on the property, and your state-specific fair housing laws...this may not even be an issue.

I’m still fairly new to the podcasts and have only listened to probably 30 or so between the main show and the money show / mostly recent shows.

had it happen like 2 or 3 times right out of the gate so that's how i handle this.now to be fair many times buyers, sellers and agents have no clue how title and escrow works and just wait.. and like you said a quick search of public records would also find this.. 

Hello, I'm fairly new to real estate investing and the guide mentioned to have a team.

6 months seasoning is fairly standard.

And what would be a fair split of ownership etc 50/50?

I'm fairly confident that I can find roommates to help me pay off the mortgage.

Second, when you put the townhouse into service as an income property your basis must be the lesser of fair market value or cost.

Try to start off in your "backyard" or somewhere fairly close.