I do however criticize the idea as it gives us landlords a bad name and to me, personally, I feel that something as intrusive as that is un-American.

Ask if they are "NATE" (North American Technician Excellence) certified, not a guarantee, but at least shows they make an effort to keep themselves educated. 

As a contractor, my experience is that the guy asking for 75% up front is either broke today or is running bases to make it on American Greed as fast as he can.

I think there will be a bit of a correction in this sector, but with all the demand from outside the US for these types of properties, I think it will be muted.As long as you're paying attention to the demographics (which is going to be dominated by the increasing age/wealth of the 'average' American for quite a while still) and/or don't play in the boom/bust sandboxes, you'll be fine.

A local SLC lender called American Funding

First American will, but asking you (or anyone else who wants to chime-in) which banks will open accounts under the name of a Series LLC.

The American Land Title Association (ALTA) governs member title insurers and real estate settlement procedures.

There's even talk of floating house designs to mitigate American hurricane-prone and flood zone areas.

What are the rates they are buying from the main underwriters, First American, Fidelity National, etc.  

there is an American Greed episode on a QI that went on a rampage and lost multi multi millions.. basically on his lifestyle it was a massive ponzi.. he got life in prison.