As it turns out (which they never told me), that tenant backed out and they apparently then applied for Section 8 and now have a renter in place paying $980 ($127 of which she pays and $857 of which the housing authority pays) and supposedly there is some government program that is making up the difference (I have yet to see any documentation on this).

I then authorize and send the required money to make the repairs. 

I suggest you have a form that the applicant completes that authorizes you to make contact with employers.

Have your lawyer send them a letter stating you will file a complaint against them with the contractor's authority be it a state contractors board or the city itself but there is a formal and legal process to file complaints against contractors and you are allowed to sue them for damages. 

After a while, I could not find a title company in the City of Chicago that would do this type of deal, even after I restructured things.Not to long after that, FULL DISCLOSURE was required in Illinois for these types of deals.Trust me, whenever the "authorities" realize that individuals are making an easy killing, they change the rules of the game. 

You can still be sued but your ability to operate effectively or defend yourself is reduced.It is not difficult to get authorization to transact business in another state and you should take that seriously.Message me if you have any questions.

If it's a short sale you should already have a signed authorization from the seller to discuss with all parties the particulars of the existing loan on the property and any other junior liens. 

I have to provide them with an updated insurance policy as the current one is about to expire and they will issue authorization to close.

I was asked to send a copy of my Drivers License, as well as the front and Back of my Credit Card, after already sending the seller the info off the card and singed an authorization Affidavit.

This has been a good read with valuable info about what to expect with the authorities in Muskegon.