@Ryan DiCanio this is not uncommon and is even more prevalent if you are newer to the investment world. 

The other scammers that are prevalent on CL are the unlicensed brokers.

So if your properties are sound you just just ride it out.Upside..when the market ranks a little good deals are more prevalent.

I understand that Montgomery County is an expensive area and the rent-to-price ratio is pretty low, so cash-flow won't be very prevalent.

They do not know how prevalent bootlegged units are in some areas.  

I am seeking recommendations or strategies to navigate this situation effectively, given the prevalent preference for liquid cash by many financial institutions.

Sewer line above the basement floor should be easy to see & is prevalent in older homes that once had a septic or grinder pump system.Good luck....

You should do whatever is prevalent in your area. 

This was extremely prevalent during Covid.We changed how we do business with realtors.  

When an out-of-state lender doesn't know the local contract and declares they will have legal review everything before they use the local paperwork, you know it won't be easy.On commercial deals, it's prevalent that the lender is out of state.