It's also common to encounter retail branch employees who are  not familiar with  the entities and various ownership structures real estate investors utilize since they are normally opening personal bank accounts.

Many MFs in gentrifying areas will become flips (conversion to SF for retail). 

The answer to this question will take into account your mother's goals on how the money needs to work, transition plans in the future, risk tolerance, asset segment preferences (retail, industrial, MF, self-storage, etc.), and many other factors.

Very different answers to your question depending on the answer to this one.If for a career path, I would agree with @Michael K Gallagher and find a brokerage that is actively doing deals, has a property management division in house, and has brokers covering each of the key market segments - multi-family, retail, office, industrial and land.

Looking for advice on some retail land & storefronts 

I would recommend reading Sam Walton: Made in America, it demonstrates how he build the largest retailer in the world by delegating responsibilities.

As long as it’s all held in escrow there should be no risk to you or seller of theft.

Held at CAPK Friendship House, the event featured local developers Max Becerra and Eric Mora, who presented plans for over 1,600 rental units in projects like Mulberry Village and Mayflower Ranch, as well as a 110,000-square-foot retail center with the area's first grocery store.Significant city support includes a 2.5-mile sewer line and plans to annex parts of the area into Bakersfield.

Purchase price: $1,900,000 Cash invested: $900,000 The 1.64-acre tract at 150-190 Hanes Mill Court is across from Walmart and many major retailers located off of a many thoroughfare .

I like RR better as RR ISD is more highly rated than PF and also it is more developed with more amenities and retail.