I've spent some time educating myself through real estate books and other resources on the internet, and seek to further my knowledge. 

You also do need to measure your results in an organized way, but that's another story.All of that said, you do have to differentiate between phobias (like calling people you don't know) and business decisions (partnerships, seeking private money, etc.) 

I would first seek to have a follow up conversation with your PM showing your written confirmation of this.

You should seek legal advice before proceeding. 

If you seek to have more control, active investing can certainly be a good approach (to your point).

We are world champs at hide and seek!

I am seeking advice and direction on all of the relevant CYA paperwork I need to provide tenants including disclosures and lease agreements.

Can anybody recommend a great property management company for a fourplex in Houston, Texas near Hobby

I know I'd be seeking out many title searches and see this as being very costly.Thank in advance

If anything ever goes wrong, an entirely different set of statutes applies in partnerships (de facto or otherwise) vs. a lender seeking recourse.