There are numerous other ways to go about getting insights into future development planning.

I'm talking about the open-ended interactions, not situations where you've specifically spent your time for an individual. 

Thankyou everyone for your inputs. does having a family trust and putting properties in trust’s name rather than individual name also helps on liability reduction similar to LLC? 

Characterizing an LLC as equivalent to fee simple real estate can only be done with single member, single asset LLCs.However, in a drop and swap scenario, the LLC would dissolve and the assets be deeded to the individual members. 

I know this individual well, but not as well as family or a very close friend.

Why I personally choose not to invest in ANY syndications whatsoever (TO BE CLEAR, I am not specifically referencing or referring to any of the named individuals or syndications in this thread whatsoever, nor am I specifically referencing a syndication company with the name "ANY" in its legal name). 

Learn about your individual local markets based on your desired home.

(I've had numerous clients who wished they could!)

A lot of coaches (if they're good) should be able to shorten the learning curve for you individually, by understanding precisely where you're at and tailoring a plan for you... but ultimately, I wouldn't lose sight of the fact that you'll still have to put in the time and get your own first-hand experience with it - that's where the real, tangible learning happens.

You could also try doing a padsplit, its another way to get more rent for a property by renting the rooms individually.