The federal government has established fair housing standards and lists protected classes.

2) how do I protect myself (as far as what type of documentation should I demand to see, what should I be named on, etc.)?

I got to the point where i didn't even bother to look at the property since the cost didn't justify the added layer of protection.  

The purchase agreement was built with a ton of contingencies so we are protected at this point. 

"Once the transition is completed, these listings will be protected under ListHub's stringent terms that guide the responsible and fair exchange of value between content owners and publishers, while brokers will have a single point of control through their dashboard.

People forget that we spent thousands and thousands of years chasing tigers, bears and who knows what out of caves just to secure shelter and now we can buy shelter for little to no money down, but it still is shelter that protects us and our families.

They also have fraud protection for the renters - but you'd have to read more about that not sure how it works.

Enclosed vou will find the followingdisclosures as indicated below for your pending loan application with ______1) Federal Truth-In-Lending Disclosure Statement2) Notice to the Home Loan Applicant3)  Disclosure Notices: Affidavit of Occupancy, Anti-Coercion Statement, Fair Credit Reporting Act, FHA Loans/Government Loans4) Equal Credit Opportunity Act5) Flood Disaster Protections Act of 19736) Notice to Applicant of Right to Receive Copy of Appraisal Report7) Patriot Act Information Disclosure8) Servicing Disclosure Statement9) Good Faith Estimate10) 4506T11) Borrower's Certification and Authorization12) Privacy Statement13) Required List of Service Providers Disclosure14) Undisclosed Debt Form15) Homeownership Counseling NoticePlease sign and date each disclosure where indicated and return these documents in theenclosed self addressed return envelope.

In the meantime protect those assets by rolling them into another IRA. 

If looking for asset protection gets a good insurance policy.Joe Gore