**Ethical Concerns:** At the time I joined, certain marketing tactics raised red flags for me.

Their guarantee to cover the mortgage if they don't rent the property is a red flag, too.

I've heard from local investors in Tampa referencing recent changes and local property managers grumbling about red tape.

It gives you the flexibility to get started quickly and stay on track without the red tape.

Quote from @Bruce Woodruff: Quote from @Peter Mckernan:Up front (First Contact) Red Flags - 1) Everything should be in writing and very detailed 2) There should be a very specific Scope Of Work3) They should not ask for much upfront $$, certainly no more than 10% - if even that.

Criteria:6 months STR2 bd, 2 ba, Single Level House Furnished with yard, washer & dryer with A/C (inland not near coast)Pet Allowable 40 lb labodor 10 yrs, 40 lbs Red Heeler Mix and 6 lbs catNear VA Hospital, shops, grocery stores (at least 25 minutes commute)

The 1st red flag question he went over made me laugh.

Ask how they intend to pay for a year or two of rent.I ask for a statement of assets and discuss any red flags or ambiguities with them.

@Chris Blackburn, while I can't speak to this specifically, there are a few red flags I see in your post.1: A Realtor has to be a member of the national association of realtors, an industry trade group primarily focused on your typical home buyer.  

We do not know if big players are shorting their own positions because they plan on collapsing the bubble.I do hope Jerry Shen was able to turn his fortune from Yahoo!