The Ultimate Power Couple: Why Smart Women Partner Up in Real Estate (And How to Do It Right)

Hey ladies! 🌟 Let’s talk about something we all think about (or maybe we should be thinking about) when it comes to investing in real estate: partnerships. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your investments, having a good partner by your side can be a game-changer—or a nightmare, if you’re not careful. 🙃

We had an incredible panel at our event last night featuring Chris Lopez, Nick Cooley, and Miller McSwain, and these guys did NOT hold back. They shared the good, the bad, and the straight-up messy truths about partnering in real estate. So, here’s your summary with everything you need to know about real estate partnerships (without having to sit through another meeting—yay!).

1. First Things First: Why Partner at All?

The general consensus: You don’t need a partner, but you might want one if:

• You’re lacking a certain skill set (think numbers nerd, project manager, or marketing queen).

• You’re short on cash or need someone with deeper pockets.

• You want to scale faster without carrying all the risk solo.

But remember, just because you could partner doesn’t mean you should. Nick Cooley made a great point: “If you can pay for a service, do that instead of partnering just for convenience.” Basically, don’t give up equity when you don’t have to.

2. Picking Your Partner: It’s Like Dating, But Harder 😅

Choosing the right partner is key, and the vibe last night was clear: You need someone whose strengths complement your weaknesses. Don’t just partner with your best friend because you get along great—that’s like saying, “Let’s get married because we both love tacos.” 🌮

Miller McSwain’s advice? Talk it out over beers first. Make sure you vibe on a life perspective level (are you both night owls? Do you have the same risk tolerance?). If things still feel good after that, get everything in writing. The agreement is your source of truth when the going gets tough—and it will get tough.

3. Defining Roles: The Triangle Approach 🔺

A successful partnership often comes down to three roles:

1. Funding – Who’s bringing the capital?

2. Finding the Deal – Who’s sourcing the investment?

3. Management – Who’s handling the day-to-day operations?

Not everyone needs to wear all three hats (and honestly, it’s better if you don’t). Decide upfront who’s doing what to avoid stepping on each other’s toes later.

Nick’s take on this was golden: “It’s not if disagreements will happen, it’s when. Have your roles and responsibilities clearly defined from the get-go so there’s no confusion later.”

4. Money Talks: Splitting Profits and Minimizing Risk 💸

This part can get tricky. Chris Lopez mentioned that profit splits should reflect what each partner is bringing to the table. If one person is doing all the work while the other just wrote a check, that split shouldn’t be 50/50.

They also touched on the concept of Limited Partners (LPs)—these are folks who just write the check and don’t have a say in the day-to-day decisions. It’s a great option if you want to stay more hands-off.

A key takeaway: Make sure you’re both clear about who’s taking on the risk (like signing on the debt) and who’s putting in the sweat equity.

5. Exit Strategies: Plan for the Breakup, Even If You Don’t Want One

This one’s huge, ladies. 💔 It might feel pessimistic to plan for the partnership ending, but as Miller said, “Go into any partnership assuming you will have to unwind it at some point. If you’re wrong, there’s no downside to being prepared.”

Have an exit strategy in place before you start, whether that’s selling the property, buying out your partner, or refinancing. And for the love of all things real estate, get a lawyer. It’s expensive, but so is a messy partnership breakup (trust us on this one).

6. Communication Is EVERYTHING 📣

The panel couldn’t emphasize this enough: If you want to keep the partnership running smoothly, you have to communicate, communicate, communicate. Set regular check-ins, be transparent about the numbers, and don’t shy away from tough conversations.

Chris Lopez shared a great tip: “Set up systems and processes for your communication. It’s one of the simplest ways to avoid drama and keep the partnership on track.”

Final Thoughts: Lessons from the Pros

The best partnerships don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, respect, and a lot of upfront work. Here’s what our panelists had to say about making it work:

• “Work with people whose strengths are your weaknesses and don’t overlap. You’ll get so much further that way.”

• “Get a lawyer. It’s expensive but cheaper than a divorce.”

•  “Focus on creating value, be transparent, and leverage media and marketing to build your ecosystem.”

Whether you’re diving into your first deal or looking to scale your portfolio, partnerships can be a powerful tool—if you do them right. If you’re curious about getting started, hit us up. We’d love to chat (maybe even over a beer 😉).

Mackenzie Page is a Realtor, Investor, Writer, and Herder-of-Chickens living on her small hobby farm in Denver CO with her partner, rescue pup, and flock of sassy4 hens. As a board member of Rocky Mountain Women Invest she runs the website, blog and future podcast. Follow, like and share!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available are for general informational purposes only.