This should include credit checks, reference checks, and employment verification.

We recently were in the running for a house under similar circumstances and I had to check my gut on it.

Otherwise check with @Shawn McCormick he knows the area well. 

Check out his “Directed IRA” podcast as well.

If you check those boxes, please feel free to reach out. 

Check out my linkedin and shoot me a DM If you want to chat. 

Review your contract (again) and double check if you have an appraisal contingency in place... the question you're asking is not something you want to be asking after contract has been signed, deposit is in escrow, and the appraisal is already ordered.Assuming the appraisal comes in lower, you may be required to come up with the difference in cash at closing.

There are challenges in some places too....let's say in US every agent also needs background check and finger prints to get licensed, this helps because we can then access lock boxes on private occupied homes. 

You can also check their reviews online at Google, Facebook, or Yelp.

I am just starting to check out the forums and figured I should make an introduction.