One thing that did provide some reassurance is that we took the initiative to verify they own the property through a county property search.

And for example if they see a property was taken back by the bank and is not shown on the track record as a huge loss, then that is another type of red flag.Internet searches can also be done on the sponsor looking for lawsuits, etc.

Any reccs on where to search google for these tools, or some free ones?

You can usually find some events by doing a simple google search.

Tried to search specifically for this but wasn't having any luck though I think I've ready it in here before.  

Zach, If you search Pace Morby on YouTube.

Easy google search if you want to look it up.I do expect them to take profit on this, otherwise how would they survive, but if you think you'll really get far doing this way that's a different question.

Quote from @Olivia Armstrong: Hey all, My husband and I have been searching for a property purchase, one that temporary checks our boxes and also kickstarts our investing journey.

I recommend searching "arbitrage" here and reading any/all of the hundreds of general threads about negative elements of arbitrage.

Search for the BP podcast episode with Jude Bernard - he is very active in NYC.