The area has a reputation for being "sketchy". 

Check out different lenders, compare their rates and terms, and read reviews to make sure that you’re working with a reputable company.

While you like to trash a very reputable forum such as The Great MortgageGrapevine and the trolls and tools that reside there. 

the main risk for those you mentioned is Reputation and I think investors especially heavy BP followers rely on reputation bias quite a bit.

Yeah...you have to be careful with your reputation.

So in case you are looking to invest in Dubai it is a great opportunity but beware of the following:- Developer Reputation: Investigate the developer's track record, previous projects, and financial stability.

I have known Jered Sturm at SNS Capial for many years and they have an outstanding reputation.

It is a huge ticket item and can eat ~30-40% of my reno budget.Today I did a walk through with plumbers and contractors.

Longhorn has been doing 100% financing for 16 years with 8000+ closed loans and has a stellar reputation and many, many repeat customers.

Should I call a GC, mold specialist, or plumber?