Do everything you can to make sure you're hiring a solid partner who will protect you and your investments.

This is primarily what makes their work product substantially lacking in correct English grammar, legal protections, timely professionalism and many other ways any Securities Attorney will point out to investors.

By recognizing the signs and implementing effective preventative measures, landlords and property managers can protect themselves from potential scams.

Leverage the Power of LLCsEstablishing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for your real estate investments can offer both legal protection and tax benefits.

they perform a service and are compensated.not trying to be critical, just trying to protect you as you get started.

How do I protect myself in this situation, while also helping a relative? 

While an LLC offers liability protection, it does not change how taxes are reported unless treated as a partnership or corporation.

They will be more focused on finding a buyer for a deal vs what date the DD ends and EMD is owed to the seller and most likely not be cancelling the contract or extending the DD to protect the lenders EMD funds. 

Also, what if I hold financing in my personal name on some of these properties and I have simply moved them to the LLC for additional libiliaty protection where as I have to move them in and out of the LLC when I refinance?

On the other hand, pros include increased cash flow, engineer-based data for the clients CPA, audit protection (with the right firm) and the ability to deflect that recapture fee with a 1031 transaction.