.- Non traditional methods for payments could be requested like Zelle, Cashapp, Venmo etc.Here are few tips which can help you prevent a scam:- Check the public records of the property in your local county and see if the owner's name matches to the person you are talking to.- Ask if they have office and look up the business.- Check if the property is currently listed for rent or sale on multiple places by different people.

@Melissa Belk thanks for the tip, Melissa!

I can still give 20% tips when I go out to eat and I don't need to ask "how much is that". 

A lot of great tips in this thread.

Any help/tips/tricks from more experienced investors on what to do in this scenario?

@Samara Huntley thank you for the tip.

Thank you for the tip and I will definitely use this to model a response.

I will budget having to pay for their hotel stay if necessary.

Have an opportunity to buy a $500k hotel in an area that has some outdoor attractions and off a main road.

Thanks for the tip.