A good property manager is vital to your success. 

Going through an agent is OK but adds another layer of complexity.

I feel as if having a network could possibly be vital In my current situation.

Vista is a hidden jewel in North County San Diego; prices are lower than the coastal communities, but it is just 7 miles inland and the weather is the best of both worlds; less marine layer than the coast,and more temperate than San Marcos, Escondido, etc.  

Would adding a layer with a trust ensure I have a layer of liability protection?

There will always be moral parts of these decisions and how you layer your moral obligations on top of the decision is perfectly fine, but just don't let other people's opinions force you to do something that doesn't work for you.  

@Gloria Mirza the contract is vital as it proves the price and terms to which both the buyer and seller have agreed to transfer ownership.

Having a home equity loan or home equity line of credit when you're trying to refinance your mortgage adds another layer of complication to the approval process.That's because the second mortgage holder, which is legally entitled to move into first place when the first mortgage is refinanced, has to agree to give up that spot to the refi lender.

I am thinking along the same lines as John Weidner might be, it's tricky working with just one other person and a whole group of folks going in on a deal adds a lot of extra layers.

It is vital that you know what you're doing.