That is a red flag, imho.

That is a red flag in my book.  

@Jeff Mills no need for HML when you can walk the red carpet of conventional FannieMae HomeStyle renovation loan for  investment properties.

Other types of negative comments are a big red flag.

If not, I'd consider that a red flag. 

Go Big Red.

Be wary though as there is a lot or red tape when doing SFH to duplex conversion.

red flags are this.1. too quick to approve you when you have little to no expreince2. they don't ask you for detailed financial information from you.3. rates lower than you see from bigger legit lenders ( too good to be true)4. money up front and just like what happened to you.. need this fee .. oh and now I need that fee and of course you will get funding tomorrow if you pay this fee.. this is all a scam plain and simple. find reputable HML in your market go meet them.. if you have no experience it can be tougher.. if your credit is less than 640 can be tough.. if you have no cash for a down payment.. pretty much impossible..

@Russell Brazil it's a 4 unit condo building (first floor unit) in the Brentwood neighborhood (zip code 20018) near the Rhode Island metro station (Red line).

We get leads like this because we are in front of people EXACTLY when they need us.This lead was a "bad " lead by any and all standards.The seller purchased the house in 2007, and it  was in good shape, just dirty.So this lead would just be a "waste of time" red flag.