I am looking at purchasing a property that is zoned for residential and commercial, its a perfect spot to open a gift shop.  My mother will be living there and running the store, and I would be the Landlord and partner to the business.  I am trying to figure out the best pay to assemble this deal so we are maximizing our tax benefits.   Should I just be the landlord and open the gift shop in her name? Or should I put both in my name and pay her a salary as an employee?  

I picked a doozy for my first rental property!