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

I hope you are working with an excellent agent or broker, they can create leverage and opportunity for you while protecting your interest. 

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

The customer service/property management hasn't been as proactive as I thought it would be.

Holding properties in an LLC (or other legal entity) can offer valuable protection for your personal assets, so I understand why you went that route.

The later is critical to protect your investment.

It took new construction costs from $800-2500 down to $325 / SF and instead of 2 years it can be done in 8-12 months (design, permits, fabrication, shipping, and erection) depending on how much homeowners customized the standard plans. 

Short term tenants are not protected by the the eviction ban.  

This allows them to get more capital so they can make more loans without having to grow their asset base, while also maintaining their relationship with the customer through monthly payments.

Now, I see you are in Seattle, which much like Portland, has extensive tenant protections.