Many times people who overly worry about being scammed are scamster themselves. 

I believe it’s a cheaper option.In personam is cheaper, but I haven’t encountered a tax deed situation of a vacant house/lot where in personam is an option.

Was wondering if this is a scam or not.

I’ve encountered properties where a do it yourself we had removed a wall and didn’t engineer it but rather used 2-2x4’s to support it so it obviously caused sag and we open it back up and correct it.

- Easements: In my opinion - these are important when you encounter a landlocked property (which isn't necessarily a common thing, but it does come up from time to time) and/or if your intent is to somehow develop or subdivide the property yourself (which isn't something I typically do, and 95% of the land flippers I know don't get into this in a big way).

I have never encountered that one myself Mark....keep us posted on the out come though!

I have now had the property for over 5 years, with rental licenses, and have encountered no issues.

Well, unless of course you are overleveraged and encounter some form of hardship (e.g., major repair, a need to refinance, etc.). 

Here are a couple recent ones:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/587565-anyone-knows-james-mourine-or-mourine-jameshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/595905-lender-scam-warning-north-carolinaOn the other hand, if you do know the private lender well (friend/family member) then they're likely well-intentioned. 

I encounter plenty of circumstances where properties are still receiving Homestead exemptions, even though they are rental properties.