You need to be educated on the process, know and understand your chances before you ever file and be thoroughly prepared.

I'd recommend running your returns by a CPA prior to submitting if you are self-preparing.

My question is, I have spent a few bucks on books and such in preparation for my business...can I still write off those things?  

Your attorney can include language in the loan documents to the same.Have your own attorney prepare loan documents.  

Any information on what classes I should be taking or what I should know to prepare myself for success would be appreciated.

Simply be prepared for late payments, chasing tenants, vacancies, evictions and extensive tenant damage.

Of course, a title exam is always advisable but the process in Ohio naturally eliminates nearly all liens in the legal action assuming the title work preparing for the sale was thorough.

The partner doesn’t want to go through the hassle of preparing the financial statements, tax returns,etc... annually.

As long as you buy using market fundamentals and are prepared financially, you should be just fine.

Partnerships are not directly taxed, but are required to file form 1065 to report the distributive share of partnership income and expenses.Translation: You add hundreds (maybe thousands) to your cost of tax preparation, and you don't receive any additional tax benefits.