I think on the long term i am going to find few reliable local 'associates/friends' with whom i can share projects/profits and discuss code etc, as you mentioned.
Also, having tried it several different ways, I would develop a business partnership based on shared business successes (vs. friendship, desperation, or other non-business experiences) by dividing the income stream--and managing expense--from a series of projects. This is a reliable way to judge what it will be like to manage a business jointly.