I had a cat with kittens locked in a garage once, it was all a scam to get cash for keys since they read online that animals+power on=occupied.   

Are "hard money loans" and "bad credit mortgages" unrealistic for most people, are they scams, or are they really for short-term flippers with big $$$?

We welcome any not scam folks to make contact with..We have found many scammers and some legit.

My question is how would I proceed to effectively aquire and rennovate the property without getting scammed?

When we start talking several thousand is when you start thinking scam.

Do these people seem like scam artists?

I don't mind posting a surety bond , but concerned about getting wrapped up in a some type of scam somehow..

I have also been contacted by several investors from Colorado who got completely scammed from Turn Key companies in Kansas City.The most important thing for you to do is background check everyone you plan to work with and get an opinion of value from somebody who doesn't have a stake in the transaction.

I am vary weary that these might be scams.

The letter may be a scam, but you should have your attorney look at it for you in order to be sure.