What is the best way to handle this Deal: Hotel 1.6 m first owner seeks partnership 50% for 100k

[Omja Pete]

issues are numbers are essentually on a napkin no real verification former flag allegedly inbetween 2 star level franchises seller has been trying to sell / auction property without high enough bid.

Impression seller is trying to get away from a sinking ship

Outlook: excellent location condition of property is a 7 from a scale of 1-10
gross as stated to cover expenses including existing mort.

seems like some sort of sweat equity with no upfront cash would be ideal but maybe not sway existing owner to release ownership interest.. at same time owner is international absentee and cannot be hands on..

Any ideas or advice would be appreciated