1. Do they have solid credentials in the real estate business? (Or were they refugees from some other line of work?)

I have experience as a mortgage broker. I also have rehabbed hundreds of properties. I've worked closely with federal housing agencies in rehabs, and have done non-subsidized properties as well. During that time, I got my contractor's license, so I could negotiate better with contractors. In addition, I not only became a real estate agent, but became a real estate broker, so I could open my own residential real estate firm. From finance, to construction, to sales and investing--I've paid my dues so far as learning how this business works.