I develop towers throughout the US and I could probably help you with some of your questions/concerns.  

I am hear to develop relationships with others on similar journeys in the hopes of sharing the good and the difficult of real estate investment. 

BP was high on the list of referred resources for my developing as a pro.

A small developer I know has proposed a partnership that's pretty intriguing but I'd appreciate some opinions on it. 

Details: North SJ, near the future BART station, town home, 2BD/2.5BA - 2 master bed rooms, low HOA and well maintained, near future developments and another town home complex to be built nearby, ~1100 sq. feet, decent school district (Piedmont High School, 4/5, 10/10 on Redfin), 1 car garage and 1 carport w/a private patio, close to Target and other shopping areas, laundry downstairs and in the building.

I can drill down in ZIP codes and specifically identify the people groups who live in an area.  

Develop a plan.

Don't forget that at least at the local commercial level most of these guys and banks know each other so if you get a good relationship (demonstrated by multiple notes with one guy) they see it and it is a confidence level for the second guy as well.I guess my long winded bottom line is develop a relationship somewhere for the first few then expand out. 

(a) It is unlawful for any person, including any entity, to act or assume to act as a home inspector, to engage in the business of home inspection, to develop a home inspection report, to practice as a home inspector, or to advertise or hold himself, herself, or itself out to be a home inspector without a home inspector license issued under this Act.

Honestly, if you aren't looking to sell real estate, use the materials as a learning resource and work on finding an experienced investor friendly agent that you can develop a long term working relationship with.