If they don’t, that’s a red flag, and I’d be out of there.Hope that helps! 

And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

Legitimate lenders may charge a small application fee (around $250) to verify you’re serious, but if someone’s asking for thousands with no real intention of closing, that’s a huge red flag.On a more positive note, there are creative financing approaches out there.

This also leaves me with $3,750 stuck in the deal (not including financing and closing costs, which could easily add another $20,000).In total, if I had to include closing costs and financing costs, I’d have about $23,000 (if not more) tied up in the deal and lose close to $700/month before accounting for expenses.

The home needed a lot of work including roofing, windows, siding , kitchen, baths, and mechanicals.

Would a home equity loan be a viable option in this situation, especially in regards to eliminating some of the red tape I'm running into with a refinancing an scorp-owned property?

Vetting Potential PartnersOnce I find a potential partner, what are some key questions I should ask or red flags I should look out for when vetting them?

Include specifics about what's covered, overage charges, and how you'll track/bill utilities.

I'm looking to get their "package" which includes a Holding company, LLC Subsidiary​, Corporate Financial Program and an Estate Plan.

Biggest red flag, many EXPERIENCED and NEW LOs do is overpromising and under delivering.