Roman Libonao -- Factual Information

I have a friend who is currently living in a hotel with her 4 young children looking for a place to live. This house became available with a for rent sign in the window and a 1-800 number. She was just told she is approved and was asked to fill out the rental agreement and send money to his bank account. I am a suspicious friend and am researching this man and came upon this. I am not positive what to make of it. The house is empty and seems legit but the man does not. My friend is very desperate at this point to put a roof over her children's head. I am not sure if I should warn her or not.

It is a big red flag when a landlord asks a tenant to deposit money into his account, prior to a face to face meeting. You are correct to question his integrity. He has a history of tax liens, judgments, real estate lawsuits, and filing for bankruptcy. It is clear that he is desperate for cash.

Will Libonao be able make routine repairs to the house, if something happens? Is there currently a tax lien -- or a Notice of Default -- on the property? These are questions I would want answered prior to any funds being deposited into his account.

Your friend cannot afford to lose her deposit, I would guess. In my opinion, I would have her look elsewhere.