Can someone please provide some clarity?

I agree with @Michael Plaks - having them provide financial and tax strategy together is not necessarily a good thing.Interesting to note - all of the largest asset management / financial advisory firms I work with...none of them do tax work, they all coordinate with a tax firm to address those needs.There are true "fee only" financial advisors out there. 

That depends on who they apply with and how much they are approved for.

I guess it depends how long you plan on living.

He asked me for the following-1: Company certificate (for companies only)2: Drivers license/SSN3: Utility bills4: 1-3 months statement of account5: Documents of the property to be used as collateral (if any)6: Provide Loan origination cost for the processing and transfer of your loan funds 7: Bank details for funding (closing)I have their website, but how can I fortify myself so I’m not being scammed.

Based on the initial information provided, I agree with @Kristine Ann that there does not seem to be enough spread between the asking price and sales comp, considering the work that needs to be do. 

With our houses, it depends on the house.

To provide value to sellers by offering fair deals and facilitate transactions that benefit both parties.

Combining primary mortgages (on a subject acquisition) with a fixed second mortgage (against another property) can reduce the loan to value (LTV) on the qualifying mortgage; which should provide lower interest rates and make the offer to purchase more competitive (since there is a larger down payment.) 

The decision of converting parcels sounds like it would depend on what kind of parcels are there in the neighborhood.