Two years ago, I did a road trip downstate for another investor to "secure" a list of tax sales properties he'd bought from someone else.

Identify that.

After this happened a few times we talked the bailiff into having his crew be at the house (down the road) while the judge signed the writ. 

If we transfer the properties into the llc, is there a way to structure the llc that in case of absolving the business or buying him put down the road, 100% of these properties goes back to him while the rest is split 50/50?

I would suggest identifying a new property together.

@Scott S.Hey Scott- I would first recommend checking out XY Planning Network, they have a great filter tool where you can identify Fee-Only CFPs that specialize in working with real estate investors and those wanting to invest in real estate.

hire contractors, identify partners etc?

So the longer you defer the more money you'll make off the govt's money.And you've also identified a good way to get out of the landlord gig and still keep the use of the deferred tax for your benefit - a 1031 exchange into something passive like a DST.Any tax paying entity can do a 1031 exchange. 

How do you identify a trustworthy partner? 

With the deal volume that comes across their desk they can help identify deals and perhaps give insight into which properties may be due for a listing.