I just need motivation to pull the trigger. 

I would like to know from other new investors what they did just starting out to make sure they were good to go and ready to pull the trigger on their first deal.and I'd like to know from experienced investors what they wish they would have done in the very beginning in regards to getting all the footwork done.

Does anyone recommend or have advice on doing a joint partnership with another couple?

With a three-member LLC, your options for federal income tax purposes are to (1) have the LLC treated as a partnership, or, (2) have the partnership treated as a corporation.The LLC is still an LLC governed under state law, but for federal income tax purposes, you have to elect how you want your LLC to be taxed.If your LLC will be engaged in an active income business, then the corporation election is usually preferred.  

A single member LLC, partnership, or sole proprietor company must be sent 1099s according to the IRS. 

We will also be affected by the loan maturities coming due in the next few years and that will trigger more involvement from the banks.

Pull the trigger!

Yet it was enough to trigger an obsessive interest in real estate investment, something I studied in college but never practiced. 

I also have done partnerships. 

The trigger could be something we have not even talked about yet.