This past summer we decided that since we have dual income now, we should upgrade and get nice 2bd 2ba and make sure that the place is nice enough ($2k/m) as to avoid previous problems, i.e., pest.

While I haven't worked on several ventures at once as in your case, I believe the issue will differ from person to person. As

You will hear a lot of good ideas but the persona who will treat your money the best is you.

I loved that idea because it gives the person a reason to do a good job.  

I had several phone calls with the ones I liked (you should visit in person as well) and asked A LOT of questions.

Although, I'm not even sure this is the same person as the borrower.

If you are investing in the many ways you can in real estate full time I would consider the person a real estate investor.

For that person, a bad situation of the forced relocation is being made worse by owning a house.

If you are just purchasing the property from the company I don't see how it would be any different that buying from a person.  A

The trust is usually set up with a secondary person as Trustee  (administrator) if the acting administrator isn't able to do duties.. ask also who is the alternate trustee that person may be distant relative..