While some would hope they don't get caught during the option time period, the ethical thing to do would be to approach the loan holder and get approval to continue with the status quo until the option exercised.  

You may have to do some further digging and/or social engineering to get in contact with them, or at least send a few postcards to each of their properties.Goodluck out there!

So, basically, don't put the onus on others to be completely trustworthy when their whole world has started to crash and burn - do your own research on the status of the property and here's hoping that you'll be able to help your contact out..  

The detached houses are built on narrow streets with large front porches for socializing.

I would also highly recommend PRO status on BiggerPockets!

I keep a record of each applicant, what step they cleared in the process (e.g. reference check completed, background check completed, income verification, etc.) and the date, status, etc. 

The last thing I want to do is get in legal trouble or even make someone feel discriminated against due to their economic status since this is not in line with my beliefs or values.I'll be sure to read up on my local state landlord-tenant and section 8 statutes to make sure I'm well within the law at all times.  

That said, you could always request an Authorization to Release in order to be able to check the status of the mortgage.  

The USCIS will use an ‘Inverted Sliding Scale’ to determine whether the investment is substantial in proportion to the overall cost of the enterprise.Upon conclusion of the business, investors must return to their countries of origin, or change their status.

Aside from US citizens or natural citizens, clients with the following immigration status can start a business in this country.