If the calculations are wrong and not in the favor of an investor sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen.

If you fail to follow the rules, you may open your personal assets to a lawsuit.

If you plan to rent in 6 months, then a lawsuit won't work.3. 

Or did they change their name to avoid lawsuits, bankruptcy, negative press, etc?

I'd wait for the first drowning lawsuit to hash out.

Since you live in the property you don't need LLC shelter you from lawsuit since you primary residence is already safe.

File a small claims lawsuit for the money he owes you. 

Generally though, I break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.The first pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments(maintain your property, etc) - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.

(such as section 8)Have you been a party to a lawsuit?

You definitley don't want to meet the dog and make your own call, that's a lawsuit waiting to happen and there are plenty of people out there who make their living by suing landlords for a never ending series of injustices.