I’ve read a lot of books and listened to numerous podcasts BUT they are from the past.

What are the perceptions? 

After your initial grumblings, realize that this is yet ANOTHER reason (of many) to invest in real estate...the tax advantages are numerous and give RE investors a big advantage compared to those focused on other asset classes (pending any legislation changes).

Most people overlook mobile home parks as an investment vehicle due to negative perceptions about the kinds of people that might live there or what they represent (poor, dirty, untrustworthy, etc).

I found the rule you referenced here, although it's not clear if it's referring to mortgages or some other type of unsecured loan:http://www.dfs.ny.gov/banking/licensedlender.htmI can't say I'm familiar with the laws on lending in NY at all, but I do know that NY is heavy on regulations and many of the lenders I work with that are licensed in numerous states don't lend in NY for whatever reason. 

I'm straight up with everyone - if their best option is to list it after they've already approached me as being a potential buyer, then I will pass them on to another agent (whether in my company or not), just to avoid the perception of a conflict of interest.

And proceeds to tell me that it is not a surprise, since some of the TCB functions had been outsourced in the past and that the third party company had to be dismissed because they failed to have satisfactions recorded for numerous liens that had been paid off (this was not the only one).

This has happened numerous times.  

Also, if he doesn't stop after numerous times being told to stop, am I able to call the police on him for having drugs or smoking in my home? 

My attorney has saved my rear end on numerous occasions during the title search process.