I couldn't fit the entire post in the title but in essence I have been using this trick to qualify applicantsThis applies to applicants that are in a situation where their current landlord is selling their homeSometimes you get some red flags about a tenant because you wonder why their current landlord is deciding to sell.Obviously you get a wonderful landlord reference.

Buying a property with a tenant that is in arrears was the first red flag.

It got flagged and all I had to do was write the lender(?)

I see red flags all over the place.

I wondered whether the above should be treated as red flags for screening or not?

Someone requesting seller financing with a very small down payment like this should throw up a red flag for you that is, at a minimum, worthy of much deeper investigation.

Watch out for fine print that requires an additional fee at closing - this is a huge red flag and how most flat fee companies make money.

If they are experienced, savvy, specialized and generally great at what they do, they should warn you when there are red flags- such as a home that has converted the garage into livable sq ft/bedrooms, in an area where that's not allowed, etc.  

"The proverbial term “biting your tongue” is a way of characterizing how one can use self-control and self-awareness to avoid saying something that will offend or create unwanted distance.

That's a big red flag.