As sponsor you have a VERIFIABLE track record of success in same or at least similar investments 2.

Always perform thorough market research and verify the numbers on any property you consider.

That's when I just decided to bill for biweekly cleaning and install hallway cameras to verify the rooms aren't accessed by anyone unauthorized.

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

Andalucía is much more than just the Costa del Sol, and my intention was to speak about Southern Spain in general, including rural areas and small villages, which can also offer opportunities depending on the type of investment being sought.When I spoke of similarities with Southern Italy, I did not mean they were categorically identical but rather that they share certain characteristics, such as affordability in rural areas and initiatives to revitalize villages.

Using a HELOC to pay down your mortgage $15k per year, then paying off your HELOC.The two yield essentially identical results.

I obviously have no way of verifying whether you own the asset or not, but find it odd that you'd throw away years of attempts at building your reputation and leave BiggerPockets rather than simply shut Melanie up by stating that you own the thing. 

Do you verify their income?

You also have to verify whether you have access for delivery and most importantly whether you can finance the build.

Google sends a postcard out with a code on it to verify.