They can explain what the requirements are and verify if this person holds the proper license.Anyone can get a license.

Anybody done and verifiable deals in the five boroughs of new York metropolitan area?

I actually don't like middleman banks almost as much as I don't like middleman property managers. lolIn this day in age, I should be able to have access to my money whenever I want, without jumping through hoops: two-factor authentication, giving my SSN, DOB, address, verifying over the phone, etc.

Check out bullet point 3 under (a) eligibility requirements which verifies that the borrower must be used for personal use and enjoyment (ie. you cannot use the property if you rent it out more than half of the year).

I have savings that I live off of.

Income verified online through borrower's source of choice such as bank statements, asset accounts, paystubs and IRS tax filing. 

Couple, he's a post-doc (low income, but verified 6 mos rent in savings).

But good point, this is another document I can request so I verify no discrepancies from what I’ve tracked.  

Establish your buy box and really get to know the territory in the specific area you are looking at and then trust, but VERIFY

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?