We went straight into a house to live in just would have been too big of a headache to move twice especially with an elementary age student.That said I'll do it in reverse and look for an investment property now but a good agent (specialist with investors) is going to be key #1.

Broker's will have numerous companies and some companies, like the one I work at, have specialists who only work with investors.

Lenders are looking for experience, FICO, skin in the game, 2 years of tax returns, and schedule of REO. 

Would it be typical to add him to the loan as well so we all have skin in the game in that regard?

I also strongly encourage you to attend 1-2 networking events every couple of months as that will help you get super close to the 'action' and people that have their skin in the game.

The harder things are things that are more than skin deep, a/c, roof, plumbing,electrical.

In addition, the investor has more "skin in the game" on an acquisition - psychologically, someone who just plunked down 20%+ in equity is going to do what it takes to not default and keep the property.

I feel if I require him to put in 50% of the capital that will ensure his skin is in the game and I can count on him to get everything done fast. 

Most lenders, sellers included, want to see that you have some skin in the game before they will make a loan.

As always, check with a lawyer, a tax specialist, and any other professionals familiar with real estate to get the whole picture.