No dog in this fight above - lender requirements may vary loan type/lender company but as a local Realtor, I wanted to throw a contact out there as far as structural engineers are concerned, I've referred Zach Shepherd (757-434-0020) numerous times and my clients have always had great things to say. 

Bought a couple investment properties back in September and fighting my way through the rehabs still.

It's a cheap date for the tenant, it establishes the expectation that "you pay for what you break' without the fight over money, makes the security deposit fight a non-event, and proves to your insurance carrier that you're the real deal of an investor/landlord. 

The dog jumped the fence, got in a fight with the neighbors dog; the neighbor got bit in the process of separating them and the landlord is receiving those nasty letters from an attorney threatening a lawsuit.Gail

You said you wanted to fight the scammer (or turn them in to meat, to use your words), you said someone emailed you that they got scammed out of a full month’s rent without seeing the property and they went to the police. 

It is also the "new investor standard" instead of taking my advice and understanding I am working for them they assume they are fighting with me on the house because "I am hiding something" from them.

He was honest and told me the fight may not be worth it.

I don't think it will fly and I don't want to spend the time necessary to enforce it or fight with tenants over it.

In these towns, there is a MASSIVE shortage of quality rental properties and people are fighting to get into a great home.

Guests are waiting to get lower rates and aren’t feeling the need to fight for dates