Although I’ve been investing in real estate, both directly and indirectly for 45+ years, I still get a “queasy” feeling when an investment does not perform as expected.My “aha” moment occurs when we reach the point when, despite the investment problems, we’re able to still show a good/substantial profit at the end of our holding period.  

None of this directly relates to landlords reporting rent payments. 

Since they are deposited directly into my bank account, I don't have to drive around picking up checks and depositing them, and waiting for them to clear.

Give them direction. 

If you are interested in networking with me, DM me directly. 

I know in my 50 years of being an RE Broker in Multiple states I have had to just go direct its usually frowned upon per ethics but if you think you need to nothing stopping your agent from doing that..  

However, everyone involved would need to meet the IRS requirements for a 1031 exchange.Finally, regarding transferring an individual property from the partnership to a member directly, this could be tricky.

Is this book worth my time or am I better off going another direction?

With no direction from an Engineer (or Architect) Contractors have no idea and will price out the scope of work they think is best even if it's not the best option. 

During that time I've often described the multifamily market as a traffic collision at a 4-way intersection where you had (lack of or negative) rent growth coming from one direction, and from the other directions: cap rates, expenses, and interest rates.