Our goal is to reduce our living expenses, boost our savings rate, and build some equity in a real asset that will be a rental once we move out.

I read this interesting article on realtor.com regarding factors that boost your home's appreciation.

Moral of this story; know your market. 

If you go the partner route, don't expect much more than 5% of the deal (5% of that deal could end up being several hundred thousand and a huge experience boost). 

First, let me say wholesalers are in business because there is a demand for wholesalers, and they are  unwanted houses, so  with that--  I think it's good for the economy.I think it's because there is no regulation, no standards, no moral grounds, if anyone can be a wholesaler..  

I've never seen it.The issue I see is PMs cutting corners and delaying/not completing repairs to boost NOI.  

Moral of the story is, you guys need to workout who does what and how.

Absolutely.You'll see a lot of activity on BP looking for deals with: No money down, No Income, and Creative Financing.But would you rather approach a business venture trying to hustle with the above or would you rather have: sustainable fallback income in case of failure, money in your pocket to quickly close deals, and non-creative financing that'll net you the cheapest possible rate and thus boost your bottom line?

@Xavier Morales Having your license has some very distinct advantages and some very distinct disadvantages.  

We need home owners to boost values.