Should we offer preference and less equity?

You can start real estate investing, reading resources, familiarizing yourself with the Albany, GA market, setting short-term and long-term goals, preparing financially, building a team, conducting property searches, conducting due diligence, making an offer, managing property, and joining local groups.

I'd recommend either going for a legal 3-4 flat or a 2-flat that is duplexed down or up.It's a good idea for your agent find out if any of the units are "non-conforming" or "illegal" before you take the time to show the property and make an offer.

I'm open to any advice that anyone here has to offer. have a great weekend everyone

Investing with foreknowledge that property values are falling seems like a timing problem or at least a situation where my offer would be reduced to reflect this coming change.As to how much to put in as a down payment that depends more on your numbers, your risk tolerance, ability to get financing, cost of financing, etc. 

I've been interested in REI for a year or so, and am only just now finding out about the BP community and all of the resources it has to offer new investors.

You said they have half the funds though so you are offering 50% leverage or are you offering 50% of the total project cost?

In general ADU additions are one of the worse RE investments.  

However, he offered no assistance on the re-platting process. 

As a pure investment it looks okay, but with a primary residence for my family thrown in at zero additional cost, it looks really really great.