I've had experience in every configuration imaginable -- except having a cofounder. What I found is that farming out work is effective, but it also introduces

I've had experience in every configuration imaginable -- except having a cofounder. What I found is that farming out work is effective, but it also introduces a lot of friction into the customer/product development cycle. Somebody you pay just isn't going to have the passion you are, they are going to do exactly what you tell them (and sometimes not much else), and they very, very rarely help you get a grip on which way to go. My conclusion is that self-funding and bootstrapping as a loner is probably best until I absolutely must bring somebody else in, at which time I plan on using an intern. That way I have no illusions about what I'm getting in the deal. I think you can do it. I would just be careful.