In my local MLS market, the RE taxes are itemized on the MLS report (which I can then verify through the municipality's web site).How does it work in VA?  

The proverb of old says "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out", it is as applicable today as it was thousands of years ago.I think Brian is correct, the reason many get in trouble because they read all of the misinformation on the web, there are some yea-sayers out-there (even here on BP, but most of the times they get corrected) who will tell you "yes, you can do this" and lead others into trouble.

I used a reputable AC dealer.

I am not aware of any reputable ones around RVA/VA though. 

But in either case it builds a good reputation for me, because they know that I am not there to "steal" their home from them. 

Not only does your credit suffer but so does your reputation. 

A web site to get your leads to mail to?

There is sooooo much information out there on the World Wide Web.

Furthermore, it's easy to see the sale record of a property or deed transfer on the county web site, so anyone can find the true owner of the property.  

The bankers (yes a banker on a construction site, you don't see that every day)Now not all of us have that specific options since his balance sheet and credit/reputation could move the needle at a mid sized regional bank, but that's not the point.