I tried to build up a relationship by making myself the problem solver but the house condition is rough.

I contributed by putting in all the sweat equity in the property.

By giving them this info , we are doing a couple of things - First, giving them solid data that they may not have.

you obviously got hit by a spammer there are thousands of them trolling the Private lender pages looking for victims that are not familiar with how private lending works. 

Part of the property (1/4) was owned by a relative, *I own the rest) that died ten years ago in Pennsylvania.

Instead, it usually requires voluntary surrender by the owner, or a successful ejectment lawsuit suit.

I didn’t like the expense involved when I researched cost of maintaining a business account to self manage 1 rental and found that the LLC route wasn’t necessary if we maintained an umbrella policy, so I just keep track of rental income and expenses (not that hard) on the one I self manage and any extra expenses on the ones managed by property management to add to their annual summary for my accountant.

As a result, in a public search, the governor name would be me.If I set up a Wyoming LLC and modify the Operating agreement to have my WA LLC to be 100% owned by my Wyoming LLC, I assume I would still have to list a natural person as the governor of the WA LLC, and my name would still show up there.

I know this is more preference by the owner.

I'm not sure I'm understanding - you really don't "lose" out on any potential equity by not paying down principal - the general question should be about your best alternative use of your capital (opportunity cost) - that would otherwise be in your pocket/investable