I do believe there is merit in following simple best practices that have asset protection as a side benefit:  1) Taking out large mortgages on properties to minimize equity; 2) Having adequate liability insurance; 3) Contributing assets to retirement plans and other protected vehicles; 4) Dividing ownership of family assets between yourself, your spouse, and your children; and, especially, 5) Running an honest business and treating people fairly.  

My feeling is having another party involved incrementally creates another link in the chain that can be delayed, broken or worse - allowing the payer to "claw back" payments, sometimes months from now.

@Paul Ewing , what they recommend is buying a house at a price you can afford to also fix up enough so that you have minimal maintenance.

When you decide to move out, having multiple units minimizes your risk of the property becoming completely vacant.

The horror stories are minimal, and if you trust yourself enough if things get rough to figure it out, you will. 

If they do charge a fee it's typically minimal and meant to cover the costs of the meeting room, etc.

However, the IRS defines Passive income—or unearned income as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) calls it—is income that requires minimal effort to obtain.

However, if you are refinancing a property purchased with cash within 6 months of purchase, this is considered delayed financing.

Kodie,Sorry for the delay! 

You will get the experience, guidance, and minimize your risk.