I have been studying this space over the last few months and a lot of GPs rely on the ignorance of investors (about their failures, inexperience, unrealistic underwriting assumptions or their unreasonable fees) to take more people's money. 

I don't blame the warranty company for relying on what a local shady contractor said at the time.

A $1-2500 non refundable (hard) deposit shows a buyer is serious, without only relying on price as the differentiator. - Be receptive to sellers terms or conditions.

There are a few things to consider:- likely the criteria he has sent you matches your search needs that the MLS is missing (MLS relies on manually inputted data.

This would not be my first choice unless you have an air-tight exit strategy that does not rely on a bunch of "maybe's".

Additionally, Millennials rely heavily on online platforms and mobile apps for property search, virtual tours, mortgage applications, and transaction management, reshaping the way real estate transactions are conducted.Delaying Homeownership and Embracing Renting: Despite their strong desire for homeownership, many Millennials face financial challenges, including student loan debt, stagnant wages, and high housing costs.

The drawback of relying solely on MLS, realtor.com, zillow.com, or similar listing sites is their widespread popularity.

@Farzan Setayesh I rely on thumbtack.

First the approved tenant moves in: perfect applicant, single mom with one kid, no pets... soon her adult kids move in with their kids and then her ex moves in with his kids and their kid's kids and their pitbulls and mastiffs... 

Risks;  zoning / code enforcement for running a rooming house, more then the county limits on un-related adults in a rental.