It's possible the deceased father agreed to let her manage the property and keep the rent net for her troubles, but the title/ownership remains in him so his heirs would inherit it as a legacy.I suggest your friend familiarize himself with the statute of frauds which I believe requires agreements regarding real estate be in writing to be enforceable.

Your taxes are the same whether you're doing business with or without an LLC.Also, your own labor, as in doing work for your own projects is not deductible, with or without LLCs.

Any recommendations for decent property managers will be greatly appreciated.

I wouldn’t because I don’t like big projects.

Cash invested: $50,000 Retail syndication project, investment on 1 of 37 units in the development.

Looking to hire a property management company to manage my duplex, which I have been managing since 2018.

Happy to help you find more investment projects or land deals in the area.

If you simply want to "get involved in it" I would suggest seeking out local, licensed property managers who are hiring.

I recently met with the owner of a property management company.

You didn't even mention tenants who don't pay rent, evictions, vacancies, HOA violations, the consistent rise in taxes and insurance, bad property managers, and the many other issues that cut into your profit.