Flipping a house, any lawyers here?

Me and a buddy (he already closed on the house, in his name), retired but not on SS yet. I am out on SS disability. SSA says, with me investing $ in the house, they don't care, not wages. I'm only putting in 25%, but splitting the profit (ex construction super) .

? is; H&R Block said to set up an LLC, or partnership. Problems: we don't want to pay transfer fees to move the title. Also,how to return my investment, with profit, so when the house sells, he doesn't pay all the taxes? I don't mind paying my share, but don't want to upset the cart, as far as SSA. Is a 1099 wages? As most of it will be my invest return, then some profit.

I am not a lawyer but yes a 1099 is taxable income. I get 1099s from a couple things I am involved in and it is counted as wages with the IRS.