IMO it begins with an ethical conduct toward providing a service that employs a high degree of skill and/or knowledge.Seems there is a lack of knowledge that is simply compensated for by a high rate of interest and 5,6 or 10 points in making a loan decission, many seem to care less if the borrower succeeds or fails, so long as they are well secured to ensure the return of thier money with a high profit.

Also, is it common for the insurance company to conduct a very thorough investigation to see if the fire is due to landlord's negligence so that they can deny the claim?

What I do have a problem with is how they conduct business and how they do not disclose what owning one of these properties will truly be like.

Your letter should stress that No payment of rent or business should be conducted except as directed by you!

We either use a simultaneous closing or have to conduct separate closings.

Again, with this you need to capitalize the repairs.You might also think about asking the Seller to conduct the repairs but build the repair cost back into the Sale Price.

They may have not had the origination platform to conduct HARP Refi's, they just service existing loans(default servicing too, so they probably do HAMP & SS for the investor).This was the case when I worked for Green Tree.

I know he's conducting seminars to raise money.

OTH, a servicer who is registered and conducting business with no skin in the game will be viewed as giving testimony that is unimpeachable compared to an individual note holder.

That's when you start asking questions and conducting research (every one of your questions above has been answered many times on this board).