It's not like people won't know that the property isn't in a flood zone; if they finance it through traditional financing then the lender would most likely require that they carry flood insurance. 

As a custom builder for decades, I dealt with this way more than once, especially with new subs that had not worked for me before.Back in the old days we used to just go with a verbal ok, but in the last 20 years or so, it is imperative to have a written CO (even an email sent from the jobsite) from the Sub and then I would add 20-25% and submit a CO of my own to the customer.

Rufo we'll go an opposite direction than most here!

We're looking into camera options to monitor vacant properties being advertised for rent. 

Hi Jesika,@Jesika IbarraWelcome to the forum, there is a wealth of knowledge on BP.

Forget the VERY obvious (to the IRS) tax fraud.

With the housing market being high in Washington, DC, I'm interested to know how others got started in the area. 

so can you go there 1-2 times a month for the next 1-2 years? 

No one else is going to want to tell you this, but it looks from the post like you bit off more than you can chew.

Going to guess that they have a solid contract, that you signed, that states they make no guarantees or warranties about the referrals they give.