Realtors also have insurance, tons of regulation, and hopefully experienced brokers that are all very interested in protecting you from scams during the home sale process.This is a scam. 

I'm assuming it works by using this non-refundable EMD or they are simply daisy chaining.Ultimately, how can end buyers be most protected from fault of the wholesaler or property owner? 

As a new landlord, familiarize yourself with tenant laws and have a solid lease and screening process in place to protect yourself.Be prepared for maintenance expenses by setting aside funds, and if managing the property feels overwhelming, consider hiring a property manager to handle day-to-day tasks.

Most brokers will want to protect their exclusivity on an off-market deal, as they put in extra effort to source it directly for you.3.

Like you said, put the proper protections in place but know that you can still lose your money - unless you are in first position.

A lender would have to be a fool to lend on collateral that wasn't protected - if the house is lost in a fire or whatever, the loan is unsecured at that point and is basically credit card debt. 

You still can if she does not have a lease, you just need 60 days notice.Emotional support animals are not protected, only service animals, so she does not have a claim there.

This would include architectural fees, new equipment, cost of protecting or defending your title to the property, or building improvements.

You can file a Chapter 13 which will protect your home and its a clean way out.When you file a CH.13 BK its not the end of the world it simply protects your home since its your homestead from foreclosure.

(Kids put a lien on the property to protect their interest and pay the parents a higher amount?)