It is a scam!!!

I understand the risk involved with transaction but what can we do to mitigate risk in these very unique situations that I encounter.  

(they both are odorless in their natural state but you wouldn't encounter that unless you work in a refinery or on a drilling rig.)

Im a wholesaler not a fraud if you have no intention to input any valueable info then its best that you keep moving My posts are meant to educate sellers so they don't get scammed by unlicensed broker frauds. 

If I were to do a cash-out refi on one of the properties I own outright to pay off that Lightstream loan OR some other personal debt, are there tax or other legal consequences I might encounter.

Those are costs you will encounter sooner or later. 

I see a lot of young people now sharply questioning why they should expect to worship at the holy temple of the great and might god MOPM (Making Other People Money) their whole life in order to be "professionally fulfilled," when they're surrounded by broke, unhappy people desperately trying to pretend they're affluent.I think it's become impossible to go to a college fair anywhere, see how much money a traditional four-year teritary education costs, and not wonder if it's a scam, not question the whole mess.I hope to be part of the change I believe is coming.

One where they are actually providing you with a diamond deal in spite of a sterling silver scam?

Scams, life savings lost, financial ruin - and I for one HATE seeing people get screwed. 

I don’t want to waste my time going if it’s a scam.