This is a great community but you are after all talking to strangers on the internet. 

@RIck Montanari howdy stranger, it's been a while.

Don't be a stranger.

Be very very careful when strangers come a calling with perfect advice for your money..

Always think about what's in it for the other person...nobody is going to help a total stranger without some sort of motivation.

I check their past reviews (as I assume they do mine), and have even had occasions where a total stranger from another state was a friend of a friend on Facebook and we were able to see that connection.  

There are so many nuances with a vacation rental property...it doesn't seem practical to use a stranger as the host or reservation agent. 

And a big thank you again to all who have shared their experiences and reached out to help a stranger.

Strangers asking for a background check is much more acceptable rather than someone you have an established relationship with5) Have a bullet proof operating agreement: This is the most important which is why it is also the last on my list.

The seller needs to be motivated in order to sell to a stranger at these discounted prices.