So yes highly recommed you stay as far away from this scam artist as possible, as he comes across as so genuine and sincere.

Seems that a MIL suite would attract buyers looking for a space that they could either AirBnB/VRBO, house-hack (off the books, roommate-style), or put a genuine in-law into, depending on what stage of life your buyers are in.

Virtual no effort RE investment.Of course, if he dies early and debt is forgiven at death, it could work out well for you, but I do not want to be the investor who is hoping someone dies early. 

I'm a real estate agent, but I'm focusing my efforts on flipping.

Many of the most common losses (fire, water damage from pipes bursting for ex.) are preventable and usually don't take a whole lot of effort to avoid.Lastly, I would just say that documenting any conversations in regards to repairs you are planning to do when a situation like this arises is always best. 

There is an effort required to get through that, and a lot of people fail.The reason your friend is an idiot is because he couldn't get to the income stream (despite being given 3 properties), and that he views having to flip as a better income, which it's plainly not.

You already have some experience and with additional effort, will quickly climb the REI ladder to its pinnacle.

It isn't the easiest thing to establish in a 3 or 4 bedroom home where you will have multiple personalities sharing a home but the results are worth the efforts.

There are good, genuine people in each as well as "wolves in sheep's clothing". 

Taking on 15 deals in 10 months is an enormous effort for a full-time investor much less one with Uncle Sam as an employer.