. - Would it be a better idea to start off with a joint venture with a seasoned note investor with my $10-20K? 

Now, depending on what kind of stepped-up basis she got when she inherited the property, and how much it has appreciated since then - and IF she's lived there for at least 24 months out of the previous 60 months (the 2-out-of-5 rule) - then she might be able to take her gain on the property tax-free (up to $250k if she's single, $500k if married filing jointly) under the Section 121 exclusion.

It was bought in both of our names and paid from a joint bank account.

The authorization does not need to be notarized.I'm genuinely interested to hear how you have a property under contract without knowing the payoff.

There are 0%, 15% and 20% tax rates and the threshold for each is dependent on your filing status (single, married filing jointly,etc). 

@Simon Martinez, I believe you are describing the Section 121 exclusion, which allows for an exclusion of up to $250,000 of capital gains on a taxpayer's primary residence ($500,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Better get those funds genuinely sourced BEFORE putting in Offers. 3.

., I reckon you need to find a same-minded, same-heeled JOINT-Venture Partner.

Clear communication and offering genuine appreciation will go SO FAR in making someone want to continue to work with you. 

If tenancy by the entireties or joint tenancy, only need to figure out the order of death.