If in your personal name, I'd recommend Robert Heideman at Delmar Mortgage.If in an LLC, check out Together Credit Union, American Bank, First State Bank of St.

If their contract required you to pay a substantial amount up front for work that was weeks away, that's a big red flag.

However, if you want a giant red flag that it's likely a D/F area, check your local sex offender registry.   

American Ag bank and Yosemite Farm credit do ag land appraisals around here.

Normally the ASHI, ( American Society of Home Inspectors) is the standard ( but you would need to check your agreement because if you have one it will be on there) and their SoP specifies the confidentiality of the report findings;ASHI Code of Ethics part 2C — “Inspectors shall not disclose inspection results or client information without client approval.

@Mark DiPietro money up front is a definite red flag it is generally used to distract a landlord from screening properly.

Red flags?

The American Apartment Association did a study on landlords who had the lowest ROI and highest maintenance costs. 

Here is a website where investors can learn more: https://www.1031taxreform.com/...So which do you think is worse for the American economy as a whole, not just the portion you make your money in. 

As far as vetting, we use a 10-point system when vetting contractors to look for any red flags: check contractors state licensing board, get copy of GL & WC insurance certs, call their insurance agent, call references, check online reviews, interview the owner/manager, run background check, etc.