It does make for some red tape and requires you hold yourself to a higher ethical standard.

If you paint the cabinets red and then apply a stain over the paint, the result will be something close to  cherry wood.

Any sign of up-charges like that or suspicious repair calls should be a major red flag into the worth of your PM.To each their own.

Is this a huge red flag when finding a GC? 

There are a few red flags that give me this feeling and if it doesn't close I lost 2-3 weeks of being able to market the property.Do you think I am being unreasonable for proceeding only with non-refundable earnest money when they request to change the loan 55 days after contract?

Originally posted by @Timothy Gerdes:Tim, please see my answers below in bold. 

The whole game is about protecting the safety and soundness of the economy, that begins at the consumer level, passes through the red zone of financial institutions, brokers, dealers, financing conduits, that end up at the goal line of fair, fully disclosed, lawful scores for the consumer.

@Diane PierceWelcome to BiggerPockets, a place to interact with a vibrant REI group, learn the real estate business and language.You didn't mention a niche, so, I added links to the most popular niches for your review and selection of one or all.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/02/22/buying-rental-property/ (how to buy a rental property)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/01/31/ultimate-beginners-guide-real-estate-wholesaling-2/ (Ultimate beginners guide to wholesaling)It doesn't matter if you are young or old, totally new or need to build upon your experience.Yes, you have just announced a commitment to the thousands in this community about your seriousness regarding REI and have taken this bold step to affirm it.Your time on this site with the BiggerPockets community will be well spent and can be financially rewarding if you so desire.Don't get overwhelmed by the massive amount of data archived on this site.Simply, bone up on the areas that you need to expand knowledge in such as, Forums, Marketplace, Learn, Network, Analyze and Resources.Feast on the Podcasts, #askbp Podcasts, blogs and webinars REI books suggested by BPershttps://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/13/7-real-estate-books-beginner-investors/ (7 absolute must read books for beginner REIs)http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Just because Johnny rides a red bike doesn't mean you should. ;) 

She had been placed at a motel by Red Cross and complained that the property management didn't fix the loose power outlets in the living room when she reported loose outlets and wires!!!