Real estate scams can be sophisticated, and it's wise to approach such deals with a healthy dose of skepticism.Best of luck with your property search!

I would think only sophisticated LPs would be able to make their way through these.

I have found working with regional/smaller - more sophisticated insurance brokers - I can make a more custom umbrella policy for this very reason!

You may be much too sophisticated for most of BP, LOL.  

Also, you didn't mention a lot of the basic data that most sophisticated investors would be looking at, when evaluating the potential risks of a new deal.

Properties above $350k ARV have more sophisticated sellers and very rarely need any rehab.There are 3 counties out of 15 total counties in my area where there is nonstop gold.

If a flipper uses unskilled labor who pays payroll taxes, FICO, SSDI, unemployment insurance and most importantly workers comp.

Provide college transcript and degree; offer letter from job; copy of payroll check; deposited into bank account. 

Some good responses already in this thread but I would add it definitely depends on the loan product you are looking for - Conventional for example is going to be pretty much the same everywhere so it makes sense to pick one upfront sooner rather than later - more sophisticated commercial deals, the cost/process is more lengthy and consuming, so its probably a negative for you the borrower if you try to shop during/after the process (just adding time and costs).For Non-QM/DSCR it can certainly make sense to shop but best to do it all upfront before really starting the process (a term sheet etc.) because there are a lot of factors that can cause it to backfire (rates can change, long-term relationships, extra switching costs, etc.) that probably cost more than you'd gain

My partner, Natalie, pointed out that we could barely make payroll.