One way around the picture issue, have the owner tell the tenant you are with the insurance company and you need a couple of pictures to verify the property for insurance purposes...or some other story along those lines.As long as I've done all the necessary homework, I probably wouldn't be too skeptical just because the seller was a little weird.However, it may be difficult for you to wholesale it without you closing on it first and getting the seller out of the picture completely.

My view is trust, but verify... and I know I don't think all sellers are liars, but they conveniently forget important (to you at least) details that may show up when you ask for records.

You may also have to verify the employment info yourself, depending on which screening service you use.

I did an eviction check, and verified income.

On a related topic, what do other landlords do to verify the bills have been paid?

In settling this matter, Reed neitheradmitted nor denied the Commission’s findings, but agreed to the entry of the consent order.More caution for investors:Even when investing with someone they know, investors should verify the registration of sellersand investment opportunities and investigate disciplinary histories by contacting the Arizona CorporationCommission’s Securities Division at 602-542-4242 or toll free in Arizona at 1-866-VERIFY-9.

My original plan was to to refi one of my properties and use that money to buy another house.

Now, as it turns out, their rental history isn't verifiable either, so I can reject based on that.

But, they'll still hold you to the standard of getting everything done quickly.Yup, it's a double standard, but that's the price buyers pay to get REO properties at a big discount (hopefully).Btw, you should verify that you have the option to "walk away" and get your earnest money back.

Again thank you for your responds,@Don, I was planning on hiring people to do the job and i don't think i have the skills to to make clinets like my work.