If you work hard to be the most informed/prepared person in the room then it won't matter what the other parties think about you.

Make sure its held by a 3rd party and don't give it direct to the owner.

But I'm doubtful about referrals as it adds another party to the mix.

The property will first go to a foreclosure auction where any third party can bid the property and become the new owner.

Any suggestions on how to navigate benefit both parties?

They might not even be a mortgage broker but a third party affiliate point taker that is unlicensed.

Redemption period in Tennessee is one year.You will not be able to get a title policy for 10 years unless you get the sale certified through a third party vendor.Watch out for "white elephants".

Draws can be simplified, but generally, it's preferable for all parties to avoid them.

These former occupants are typically deadbeats who are avoiding contact with various parties that want something from the deadbeat.

It is an unfair or deceptive practice for you to demand that a tenant prepay rent when a tenant is not obligated to and did not, in fact, occupy the dwelling, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by both parties (940 CMR § 3.17 (6)(d)).