It helps to have access to the MLS for comps and research.

You will have access to the lowest downpayments (3.5%) with the best interest rates on money. 

Access to each other’s property and maybe developing an easement.  

Did you get licensed to get access to more rental properties to buy or are you interested in real estate also as a career for a broker/agent?

If you want some professional level guidance, access to off market deals that meet your criteria, an amazing tour of the ins and outs of the neighborhoods or just an agent to set you up on the MLS with a good search, this group provides everything for serious investors  (full disclosure - I am affiliated)https://rerecon.com/

Its accessibility will probably matter.

How accessible is the sponsor?

I pay more because I have 2 assistants that also have access.

It may take longer, but I can get my feet wet by learning the buying, negotiating, marketing, and managing aspect of the business in a much smaller scale.Option 2, on the other hand, will allow me to have access to more capital and potential ROI sooner, assuming I even find a partner (and who knows how long that would take or how realistic that actually is?).

You have access to an INCREDIBLE loan product called the VA loan.