There are some legal risks no matter which way you turn, its the nature of these smaller deals where one person is carrying the paper for others. 

The conditions and nature of the property are now in question - as you think - what else are they hiding or overlooking.

Naturally, that is not investing.

The U.S has been driving the global markets the past decade and the cyclical nature of markets suggests that it may be time for foreign stocks to outperform the U.S for a while.

Sadly, it's just human nature and lots of people are unwilling to control the urge... oh well...

If you decide to work with someone that won't get you there, don't expect much.If they're not real motivated, get someone that is and knows what they're doing.Brokers always have politics and drama - Just the nature of the job.

He is the type of mischievous person that a request of this nature most likely has an alternative motive for installing the camera.

This has nothing to do with renovations to increase rent, this is the natural gain attributed to a growing economy.

Thinking through it, due to the nature of this deal (low cost rental, BRRR, not a major rehab) I'm likely going to pay him for his work and forego any JV scenario.

You also need to be aware that custodians are passive in nature and simply process transactions at your direction.