He’s been an ideal tenant (always pays on time and takes good care of the place).If I agree to let him out of his lease how can I protect myself so he continues to pay until the unit is re-rented?

But I'm not sure at what point that could happen, and I don't want to start paying lawyers and then have it blow up and me not get the property in the end, so how can I protect myself while still helping her?

What do they do and what's their expertise? 

I don't see how the LLC will strengthen your case, but it might be something to look into for asset protection.  

Now there are problems and you will need to protect yourself and a good insurance person is needed too.7) NEVER, NEVER buy a property that doesn't cash flow when and for how much your plan states.

You are probably paying thousands of dollars for his service and expertise.

There may be @Sergio Aguinaga, but if you want to ensure that you are protected properly, I would suggest you have an attorney involved.

I do not think this is true... there is a common believe that you should establish an LLC to invest - and then you open a business checking account for your LLC.. other then that - the LLC has no TAX benefits... it is used mainly as an extra layer of protection between yourself and the property..3. for loans - nothing lower then 40% that is correct, however - you should buy first properties CASH, file income tax every year - and that will start your credibility in the US.. fell free to reach for any questions:-)4. correct in most casesGood luck!!

And the Deed of Trust is a lien that protects you in the event they stop paying. 

To make a decision on the route to take, you have to do some homework first which entails, learning how much $$ you have/need for each, how much financing if any will you be qualified for, what's your level of expertise in either, will you have partners going in, do you have the team of qualified professionals for each.