That trim is legitimately wood from what I see, not mdf.

My thinking is that because the purchase of a ownr fin. property doesn't show up on my credit, banks won't look at it as legitimate income.

There are also legitimate ways to make very small accounts into very large accounts.

David,As Logan explained you in order to qualify for the Solo 401k plan you must have legitimate business with earned income.

AFTER the tax sale, the prior owner must go through a myriad of procedures to challenge it and they must have a legitimate reason to do so (like they actually paid all the taxes before the sale but the sale accidentally still went on, the sale was improper, etc). 

If they sold for less than you offered and that brokerage shows up as the buying and selling agent then you may have a legitimate beef. 

Often times, it's because either the market has gone up (legitimate) or the county is having budgeting issues (i.e. they spent more than they should and are now trying to increase revenues). 

The PM is likely aware of this and trying to brush it under the rug by trying to convince the owner to take on this tenant anyway.The tenant in this case likely also has a legitimate suit for the cost of the renter's insurance.My advice to the OP: FORGET ABOUT THE DOG. 

Is this a legitimate concern if I've been on the deed the whole time?

I find them tempting because if it is just a legitimate wholesaler out selling homes I never even knew existed then it could be a great connection to have, but if these have a reputation of being scams then I'd rather stay away.