If you have to choose between looking like someone who is overly suspicious to the point of paranoia or someone who's trusting and credulous (and some of your tenants will certainly make you choose) PICK PARANOID EVERY TIME.

But lets just say that, I have allowed my friends to stay in my basement while i stay on the ground floor, because he is in transition period and i trust him to do no harm to me or my house, I dont get any rental income what so ever, and i dont get into troubles for letting my dear friends use my basement. my example is not good for legalities if one of us get into a a fight or have concerns or if neighbors have concerns related to loud music or suspicious activity in the night. 

However, I rarely see competitive rates from big banks - I'm highly suspicious of the rate they're quoting so do your due diligence.

Would you be suspicious of this  being a fake reference?

The community here does an excellent job at flagging suspicious activity/posts/ads. 

The IRS is suspicious of buying from related parties.But really it's the sale of a basement.

A Gmail address is a dead give away but also when I see LLC in the lending name I am automatically suspicious. 

As the IRS is prone to be suspicious of refinances right before a sale and 1031.And certainly the loan would need to be recorded and paid off on the settlement statement. 

That should make you REALLY suspicious!

I agree the story is a little suspicious.