Need Help! will likely lose 30K to a scam

[Tri Tran]

I used Rent to Retirement to purchase a new short-term rental property out of state, managed by the seller’s agent, Lacey Dickinson. Rent to Retirement had good things to say about her, so I trusted their recommendation. However, communication issues with Lacey began almost immediately—she took two weeks just to send me a contract and was frequently unresponsive, blaming weather-related issues.

She advertised the property as highly profitable, but when I asked for proof, she never provided any. Despite my reservations, I moved forward with the purchase but rent to retirement said good things about her from supposed past clients of theirs. Lacey asked for $20K for furnishings and another $10K to convert the garage to a play room and add a pool heater. I paid her $15K via credit card to her paypal account and another $15K by wire money from my bank. She promised updates and photos once they arrive, but they never materialized.

During the two-month escrow, she was difficult to reach, and despite repeated requests, she failed to arrange an appraisal and inspection despite my many requests. Hurricane Milton delayed things, but even when the weather improved, her communication stopped entirely. We’re now five days from the closing date, with no response from Lacey, despite multiple attempts from me, my lender, and even Rent to Retirement to contact her. I currently live out of state so I couldn't just go to florida to check out the property.

I’ve contacted Rent to Retirement and my credit card company to dispute the charges. We won’t close on time, or likely at all, and I’m expecting the $25K earnest money back, though I doubt I’ll recover the $30K. 

I'm sharing this to warn others about Lacey Dickinson and to ask for any advice on how to proceed.

here is her page

https://www.laceydickinson.com/