Check your Real Estate License laws in your state...unless you are a licensed broker or salesperson, it is illegal in many states for a real estate agent to pay for an referral leads.

Even if they aren't looking for a place themselves, they may know a family member, friend, co worker who may be looking.You may want to look at Facebook Ads as well.Craigslist - for sure.

Things were more casual in general in those days.Although I  recently looked at a property in Florida, which was secluded but right next to a very upscale gated community, and the owners had an illegal duplex, three mobile homes and some ratty sheds here and there - all rented to various different people.  

Its illegal in some locations and unethical everywhere.When you buy subject to you're now on the hook for the full mortgage balance.

From what I've read about these types of areas in North Dakota is that there is a both a lot of contracted workers (potential tenants) and corporate transfers (people whose job situation may change in a few years, or may have bought and then need to sell fast due to income or job changes).Best of luck!

Unfortunately, while highly unethical, I don't imagine it's illegal on the reference-givers side...My best suggestion is exactly what you did -- assume everything you're hearing is a lie and do more due diligence than just a landlord check.

Even if you made a new lease with both you and your roommate on it (which ethically you should do, you're doing an illegal sublet at the moment) lenders may still count the entire rent payment.

We were assured by Bob that he had plenty of crews to do the work in a timely manner, but come December, both properties were unfinished, and we couldn’t figure out why, with all the workers on the project.

Obviously you can do this with new or seasoned agents however realtors are a funny breed, trust me when I tell you I know, I own real estate brokerage with nearly 50 agents and even though we primarily focus on investments a lot of my people still do retail for living.Try to get them to understand what it is we do on the investment side of the process and people say anything and everything to dismantle the investment business model from it is illegal, unethical, doesn’t work here etc..

I personally know a co-worker renting a newer 3/2 down the road for $1900/month.