On the other hand if they are a sponsor that is experienced in stopping a skin in the game, that's a huge red flag for me.c) how open to scrutiny are they?

If the prospect puts up a big wall and is dismissive about their record, that is more of a red flag than the record itself, but if they were straight forward and honest with me, I will know I can trust them.

Then red leg partridge hunting for 3’days.  

Cycling the red rock loop.

What are some red flags ?

Any red flags? 

If your lender is only working with a "list of qualified contractors" thats against the 203k guidelines and a huge red flag. 

Green is good yellow needs to be looked at and Red is there is something wrong.. you simply walk in and pick up a copy of it on the counter..

On the siding maybe do something like a desert tan with some red hue that’s a light warm and inviting design.

Sometimes a face-to-face conversation can cut through the red tape faster than any paperwork shuffle.It might feel like the city's operating without accountability, but there are folks within the system who genuinely want to help - you just have to find them.