Home sells for 300k...Ok, so do I receiveA. 25% of my initial investment which was (50k) equaling $12,500+ $50,000 (initial investment)= $62,500 ?

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that it is enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

@Lauren B. the only way I could imagine you (as you describe your situation and investing approach) might be leaving money on the table is if all of the following were true:There is a rental property you can buy in an Opportunity ZoneYou can buy it with capital gains (eg. you sell an appreciated asset, then use the cash to buy the property)You then invest additional cash from capital gains into the property at least equal to the prior building value (this is a BIG hurdle - multifamily residential buildings don't warrant this level of rehab investment)You plan to hold and operate the property for 10+ yearsYou do all of the above under the umbrella of a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund, which you setup and manage (with the help of a qualified attorney and CPA)As you are discovering, making all of these things true is not really feasible for you.

The setup this guy did was that as he was pooling together from other investors, he would include in the total pool an amount equal to my current salary/benefits/bonus/etc to pay me (as a way to convince me to leave my job).

High cost which equals Higher perceived risk(especially for the wife).

You might also consider utilizing percentages and have values based upon the rent, such as the security deposit being equal to the first months rent, this way it can vary from property to property but won't be construed has being different for an arbitrary reason.Disclaimer: The information in this post does not constitute legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

For example, net cashflow of $500 per month and $500 equity increase from mortgage payments, which equals $12k per year.

Drive by the higher end sold houses exterior renovation usually equals what the interior renovation looks like, check the MLS or even zillow sometimes will have what the condition looks like.

Any ideas for helping the 3rd partner get to equal ownership? 

Look for deals where your equity is on equal ground to the LP.