The CFPB is the consumer watchdog organization and they will open an investigation with the servicer and a decision will come shortly after that.  

My comment is made without reading that link, now I'm off to investigate, that's my initial feeling. :)Edited:Well, I was right, and, IMO that guy exaggerates the impact, real estate is excluded in part, and it was applicable to gift transfers.

This allows you to see how they handle potential tenants, if they answer the phone, schedule a showing and seem knowledgeable about the property they may warrant investigation to use as your manager. 

After further investigation, I was immediately hooked. 

I am in need of recommendations for a private investigator or skip trace company.

This local TV video pretty much summarizes my experience:http://www.kmov.com/story/32742794/news-4-investig...

You don't want to deal with either because it will catch up with them and if you deal with them you may be subject to the investigation that follows.Keep it clean!

Not sure how I'd investigate any unfiled liens, but it would seem to me if it was unfiled how would they have any success going after a subsequent owner?

I'm going to start investigating this a bit more.One final question I have then is, can I (in Virginia) approach Hard Money lenders and ask them to take my money?

If those in any industry do not police their own then you will have the Wild West. 4 or 5 investigators in any real estate commission can't police the thousands out there doing bad things, just as it was in the Wild West, the community had to come together to defend the town with the Sheriff, he couldn't do it alone!