if it’s multi family and earlier than 1978, they are probably wanting to verify mold, lead and asbestos.

The pendulum is in the exact opposite phase right now, for everything that didn't need to be verified at all in 2006, now it needs to be verified 3 different ways (80% of the paperwork required you actually didn't even see or provide because it was on the back end, a typical printed loan file is currently about 4 inches thick, compliance costs to originate a FNMA mortgage are about $4000 to $8000 depending on who you ask).

Seems fair to me for the most part. 5 years on the landlord reference might be hard to verify in some cases.

Closing attorney needs to get HUD from bank, verify numbers, get/prorate any tax/utility bills, get final payoff numbers etc etcSo anything under 2 weeks is aggressive.

How can I verify that the existing ADU is permitted without showing my hand? 

Does anyone usually verify that the general contractor they are hiring are licensed and insured?

Well I’m no botanist but no, it’s not all you can do to verify the buyers pre-approval.  

It does not matter who replies, do not rely on the information without verifying via a trusted source.

Measurements are approx & should be verified.

We're able to compensate for that by requiring a co-signer (no double deposits allowed in NH), but the inability to validate identity on the screening platform through questions based on credit bureau records prevented him from being able to complete the eviction and criminal history screening.