I have near 800 credit score, more than enough to put a substantial amount down, no debt (except owing $700 for a iphone and cc balance I could easily pay off), and am a financially responsible individual, just in the process of generating more income.

I feel like there needs to be a balance between not making to easy/ attractive to just sell out, yet keeping it fair for the exiting partner if that happens to come up. 

Did you try the Small Balance loan if under $5mil?

Deposit is wired, balance is paid at move in!

You can’t determine exact loan balances but you can usually get close, assuming they’re not in default.

The loan balance is currently $93,553, but no cash flow.

If I created an LLP, I believe I could have the LLC (or S corp) be a member but I’m not sure if I can do that with an LLC, and I am unsure what the best structure may be to balance protection and taxes.

That makes it easy to see their balances with no additional work on my part and separates their money from mine.

Getting a cash out refi, OTOH, it not too difficult. 

Local Planning commissions in these hillside neighborhoods are notoriously difficult and lengthy to approve plans.