Buying from a seller with a $hady past

[Account Closed]

Hey BP,

I'm considering placing a bid on a condo from a seller/developer who pled guilty to bid rigging and fraud conspiracy at foreclosures in 2015. I didn't find this out until literally the 11th hour (more like the 14th hour-- offers are due at 2pm today), but I'm wondering how seriously this should impact my thought process. Is my money safe in case he tries to pull something shady after this transaction? Does anyone have experience with this type of situation, or with this guy Mark Roemer? 

Here's the article explaining his legal troubles

[Daniel O.]

@Account Closed Have the title company hold all the money, and make sure YOU pick the title company. They will look out for your interests. That is what they are there for. Document everything. Make sure you have owner's title insurance. And don't overpay. 

If no transactions could occur when one of the parties had a checkered past, there wouldn't be too much going on in the real estate world.  Good luck. And let us know how it works out.