He will ask you to bring $5-$15K to the closing table so you have skin in the game. 

We want to get engaged and get married In 2 years then buy a house.

@Eric Oneill If you're holding fat stacks and staring at the Poker table it's smart to learn the game before you buy in.

I am not sure if partnering with close friend, also with 50% stake in the game when I may have to spend more time on this whole process sounds fair or not.

Real Estate is a long game though.

A little late to the game here, but I'll throw out a few markets near where we work in Colorado.

Bunk beds and pictures of kids games in the photos will deter some.Check out: https://greatescapeparkside.co...

@Bradley Perry I think you are on the right track but may be a little ahead of the game for the refinance, as others have already said the fees for the refinance and the 75% LTV are the big things to consider as it seems you would potentially only get part of that 35k back which means you would likely look to refinance in the future again to get the rest.

Or a description saying, 'new roof around 10 years ago,' because they can remember that a roof was installed but wasn't engaged in the details. 

Consider that perhaps you and I are not debating the validity of different strategies for playing the same game, but rather that we may be playing entirely different games.