He showed me his cash statements and had a quarter of a million dollars in his checking from a recent inheritance of a deceased family member.

I would ask them to check out the house physically, if you get there then make a firm offer you're comfortable with it.

You can also check with @Dave Foster he is who I send all of my clients to.

Once you received it , just checked and rechecked even the company EIN.

But hey, remember, I'm no legal expert, so it's always smart to double-check with someone who knows the ins and outs of property law in your area.

For someone that's not as conservative, or a different view on the cycle, they might have a different opinion than me on all of this.2) Sponsor quality check: (takes about 45 minutes per deal)I believe that a great sponsor can take an average looking deal and make it great, and that in mediocre sponsor can take a fantastic looking deal and make it bad (especially if there is a severe recession).

I would call an exterminator and check their references.

Hi Maria,Check the Events and Meet-ups section for local investor meet ups in your area.

DO NOT TRUST ZILLOW BACKGROUND CHECKS. 

Can't tell you how many have expressed interest in moving, but then when they check the market they understand they can't move.