That doesn't necessarily mean they are crooked, but watch out for their agenda (to make money for themselves). 

She could easily accuse you of stealing something that never really existed.

Again this protects you from crooked contractors doing shoddy work or taking money and not showing up at all.

It seems that you are from California, like me, and saw the prices in Texas and thought, wow, what a steal, when you are looking at shacks in your area for 1.5M.

People see 60, 90, 180 days and it hits them now is a good time to offer.NOT every REALTOR out there is crooked either.

But it just depends...I am always in favor of controlling assets personally if possible...I don't know the numbers or anything about this deal, but it sounds like you've got a lot to think about on deal structure...if this is even a good deal.Just don't let anyone steal your deal if it's viable....lots of sharks with cash out there. 

Those are also the same people who are more likely to cause damage and steal items out of the unit. 

There for a while in my city thieves were breaking in and stealing supplies, copper, and appliances.

Beg, borrow, steal, sell - do whatever you can and start  purchasing company stock!

A townhouse for $750K is a steal on 5th Avenue (NYC) but would be considered expensive in the Midwest.