To be honest, there are merits with each of your "options."

Tough to give you solid advice without knowing more about you. But some thoughts that occured:

Personally, I'd do a bit more market research before making any heavy decisions unless your sample chicken farmer is Rainbow.

No.4 - "go big or go home" is a great option when you've got nothing to lose. What is the worst that can happen anyway?

Option 5, by contrast, is the "safe" way, but tends to produce undramatic results. That can be good or bad - depends on your idea of what you want and the price you are prepared to pay.

Now if only you can go with option 5 - but go after the project like you'd gone for option 4. The challenge there is human nature. There is some magic that comes with being totally commited and most people need their backs to the wall to give at that level.

On partnerships - You're married, right? About the same thing. You've got to pick the right partner for the right reasons and it's a real problem if you don't.

Just yell if there is anything there you'd like me to expand on.