One thing it seems is that with a trust company they have to review each transaction and with a financial planner/advisor you can control the transaction with out custodial approval.

I'm the consultancy's generalist and strategic planner for clients, not a specialist in legal issues and compliance.

This is a good question to review with a good fee-based planner that isn't trying to sell you crap for a commission.  

It doesn't sound like he's financially responsible, and she could wind up losing her house as well as all the money that she'd get from selling it.Perhaps you could talk to her and suggest that she see a lawyer and a financial planner - alone - before signing any offer on her house.   

Finally, if you are not the type of person that is good at answering those questions (more of an action taker than a planner), find a partner that is good at the planning and work together. 

Best citie planners.

Were you dressed like a banker - financial planner?

If estate planning is involved a planner may suggest forming a trust. 

After a 30 year career as a Certified Financial Planner, I joined my wife as a Realtor in Northeast Ohio. 

I am a Financial planner so I feel that my career experience may help with investing in real estate.