not sure about the cost but spending a morning at lowes or home depot near the contractor service could be beneficial.

Before spending your money, do some more research to your target areas of choice and go from there.

A corporate entity of your choice will probably provide some level of additional asset protection, but you really need to talk to an attorney in your state and get the full story.

Thinking about your question of what can I bring to the relationship, I have realized I need to know what you are missing or what you need help with for your business in order to accurately be able to offer help where it would be most beneficial to you.

The answers to your questions are too complex to cover all the intricate details here on a bulletin board.My choice would to have control of title to address many of the potential issues.

Its been very beneficial to me, but the insights youve given me has my mind churning over the possibilities.

while collecting $200 non-refundable deposit plus $25 extra "pet" rent/month.Keep in mind, that pet owners are facing less choices while looking for an apartment vs. non-pet owners.

If this happens like it has the three times I've been part of an acquisition you will have no choice to take the money out.  

He said he's looking for a mutually beneficial investment opportunity.  

It is much easier to make those choices before you have children or other responsibilities, but it also may not be worth the hardship if you can have most of what you want but just need to put up with some weather and compromise by planning some tropical vacations or something.