All funds will flow through closing, so you should never have to pay an upfront fee to get a loan from a private lender, this is the #1 scam in private lending.

Just off the top of my head:- One sided reviews wherein the fairness or accuracy of the review is unmonitored; - Hefty skimming fees charged by the middle man;- Penalties to the host for denying scam stays or individuals attempting to break house rules (parties, animals, etc);- Search and listing penalties for enacting policies designed to protect/provide more security for your property (non-instant bookings, higher minimum stays, etc);- No vetting whatsoever of people who sign up to use the service, leaving the host to sort out the bums from the honest people (and take the penalty for tossing the bums aside).In my opinion AirBnb & VRBO (and Booking, to a lesser extent) have been vehicles for an arms race to the bottom.

What are some red flags when it comes to possible scams and issues with private funding?

When it comes to realtors, they won't scam you but you have to understand that they will try to have you buy and get the highest possible commission.

But, I am a little worried about getting scammed and being a foreigner buyer.

Scam!!!

It has to do with the bank's risk appetite with respect to Anti-Money Laundering regulations is all.

Emotional support animals are for the most part a scam.

-Glasgow: political risk and turning anti landlord.

They definatly are not and the likely hood is that when you inform them you know it is a fake "emotional support certificate, off the internet they will run.Don't let them get way with the scam.