We could devote an entire 7 page thread to misconceptions that are common with newer investors.

Scam or not?

Being conservative, and perhaps having an over sensitive scam radar, I'd pass.

. - lots of "LinkedIn requests" are actually just scammers trying to snatch personal info; I ignore all Linkedin stuff these days due to the extent of spam/scams.

Turns out that the 'landlord' was a scam artist, who scoped out empty houses, changed the locks, took on the name of the owner, and rented the property.http://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/Impostor-rented-out-someone-else-s-home-4981397.phpWhat if you were the owner of that vacant house and found people living in it, who signed a lease in good faith and spent all their money on deposit and first month's rent?

I'm not sure, but I'm guessing either they are a scam (not sure what their goal was?)

My associate's response was, "I figured it was a scam since they never called me back after contacting them."

It's not a really huge purchase anyway.That said, I've been reading up on the scam gurus and this particular teacher used to do the RDPD upselling classes in Canada.

With all of the "no-money-down" scams and the "small up-front due diligence fee" hard money lenders, I have to give kudos to Bigger Pockets for this forum.

Scams, mislead folks that want some short cut.