Personally, I think it is pretty much a scam and is very expensive.

That an escrow release form was included in the paperwork, is that common or is it a clear scam warning?

With CL, 2 key words, "foreclosure" and "deposit" = SCAM!

without it sounding like a scam?

You have a limited amount of time to devote to REI.4.  

His sales pitch was incredible- I was almost laughing it was that good, anyways I double checked all that he said and most was not completely accurate and the more I dug the more I found out that no one in this area will work with him and everyone called him a scam artist. his big pitch was the pools and how great they were and how cheap he got lumber from 84Lumber - however when I called 84 lumber they said they refuse to do business with him!

They have many clients so cannot devote all their time to such ventures but the new agent typically can work those deals hard and see if they can pull off a miracle to close it and get paid.Good Luck 

The past few months have been extremely busy, but the end of the month, I will have some time to devote.

@Suzanne Mark  yes do not send up front fee's this is the new Nigerian scams going around they are on BP facebook linkden all over the darn place.too good to be terms and rates suck you in you send the little dollars never fund your deal never hear from them again.the other company you posted about looks real its a subsidery of a bank.. but still other than apprasials or some small number not wise to send money up front..

since you have the time now to devote to it.