My 2 cents...Randy     The presenters at the first hotel free events are Paid actors.. basically zero experience in the industry they are perfecting their acting craft. 

I’d just post the city and pictures as the shady actors may try to contact the seller behind your back.

There's no reason to suspect that there are more or fewer bad actors than in other professions, but every reason to believe that the potentially very few bad actors who exist are able to operate for far longer in this profession than professions that require a license. 

The industry has gotten much better over the years and the good companies by and large have risen up and the bad actors while still out there are being weeded out.

Use wallpaper, unique furniture, candy/cereal dispensers in the kitchen, bright colors, definitely add that game room, etc.

This is impossible but opens up the opportunity for malicious actors to pitch directly to you.

Government's role is to weed out the bad actors.

You run the risk of someone calling L&I and having them come out and put a "candy stripe" sign (white sheet with thin red lines to draw attention) pasted on your door ordering all tenants to vacate in 45 days.

Having a credible broker and investor in the area you are looking to purchase in.Someone not out for a quick buck but life long business relationships and friendships.Watch out for companies that talk fast and seem excited and pressure you to act or you will "lose the deal of the century".

Im an agent In Hollywood for actors.. yes, crazy business...My other passion is real estate as I still own the properties on which the restaurants lie (now all chains such as Buffalo Wild Wings) in VA..