I own half a note (First Trust Deed) with a partner.

Network with people you know and trust.

Those fees look reasonable, as long as they can be justified but the service is provided.personally, I would not trust a long-term lease of 2 years or 3 years.

(most involved)2) not visit, trust the local eyes, realtors, contractors, PMs?

If a mortgage / note and deed of trust it  may require a full foreclosure.Consult a competent legal pro for advice either way.

Hell at any given point & time I believe there is between $1 million & $1.5 million in my trust account.

In fairness I would have been ok with not attending if the inspection had of taken place in a decent time frame and some communication provided, but now Im wondering if they can be trusted with my asset and want to see it for myself.

Either he does not know the IRS rules, or he does and is playing a common Wall Street game of hoping that you don't and will trust his misdirection.  

A realtor from the area told us that since the area was a retirement community 15 years ago before hurricane Katrina came through that unfortunately I should expect the worst in the situation due to death, land being in trusts, or successions.

Do they just hand over the money with a wink and a hand shake and trust you?