., new roof from last year starts leaking and the contractor is out of business)If you have a solid Independent Contractor (IC) agreement in place, you can push all of these risks back on the contractor's insurance program. 

I own some properties independently.

There is also an option to have a contractor come assess your house and let you know what you're eligible for, but that's $50 and I think they're independent (energy star certified???)

I checked with two mortgage brokers I have worked with in the past and both of them are now employed with particular banks :) I was looking to get some advice from an independent mortgage broker for refinancing properties in the bay area (primary and rental).

We're wondering if it would be best to buy a home together or do it independently. 

I also believed that the house was in a "B-class" neighborhood -- I've been informed by 3 independent RE pro's that it is "C-class".The moral of the story is "Trust but verify".   

@Russell Brazil That makes sense, but I didn't know the statistics for the failure rate was so high.

@Gregg Fratto independent of good or bad idea, most hard money lenders won't let you borrow your down payment. 

They are trying to profit from you, so should not be trusted any more than any other seller.1) Qualify the area2) Qualify the company3) Qualify the propertyMake sure you independently validate any information they provide or that is important to your success.

If you want to use this guy to do your maintenance & repairs (not recommended), then draw up a separate contract/scope of work agreement in which you will pay him independent of the rent, and have him pay whatever your market price is for the unit.