As J suggests, develop an explicit SOW and if there's anything unusual in it, such as an engineering requirement, double down of finding the required qualified experts, vet them carefully, get written recommendations, and then follow their advice.

I think that idea of having repeat business made them more willing to bend over backwards. 

On ANY thread where users ask about a company and we see unusual activity -- in particular, users with one post coming in to praise a company, and in many cases, originating from the same IP -- we come in to warn our users to be careful.

Unusually, the payroll processing company ADP, which also puts out jobs numbers, varied greatly from the government’s jobs numbers.

The upside is, if you make it and become successful making 500k or more is not that unusual for top agents.

Are there any figures that have been used that look unusual?  

I used either Old Florida Title or Winged Foot Title, but I haven't had anything too unusual so far.

The best way I've found to implement this is lease as close to FMV initially which is typically not an issue since I have a nice, newly updated place with lots of creature comforts unusual for my area (A/C, Fiber internet, private fenced yard with lawncare, pets allowed with no fees or pet rent, completely remodeled interior (1950s original construction).

It is a very unusual situation you are currently in. 

In a heated market unsolicited offers that shock the owner are not that unusual and can leave the long term investor in a quandry.