If they have passed the screening and background checks and you don't see any red flags, I don't see why accepting 1 year rent would be a bad option.

Flow of money from the exchange to you is a major red flag if audited. 

Put an offer on a house in Prescott, AZ (red hot market like so many others right now).

RED FLAG!

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment in Redding.

Yellow paper red ink, use an envelope that looks as close to an invitation as possible.Good luck.

That means they're there to lend their guidance--most good HMLs have extensive market experience and have seen a ton of deals of all shapes and sizes and know successful deals and red flags when they see them--and simply be there to communicate with you.

That means they're there to lend their guidance--most good HMLs have extensive market experience and have seen a ton of deals of all shapes and sizes and know successful deals and red flags when they see them--and simply be there to communicate with you.

The market is red hot so he will likely get a cash offer on the market as well.

That seems like a big red flag.