When things get fishy and you are not sure that the offer you are so into is legitimate, there is one hard, fast, unbreakable rule: DO NOT PAY ANY MONEY!

Secondly, feel free to pester.  Let the potential landlord know you are uncomfortable with this situation.  Do not rest until you get a working phone number and address to reach the person, not to mention the verifiable address of the rental property.

If it is at all possible, acquire the services of a broker to act as a go between.  He or she will be able to ascertain whether this rental offer is legitimate, and it will save you from getting duped into anything.

Keep other properties in mind.  Sure, I am in love with this house, it suits all my needs, and it is affordable, but I know I logically have to realize that there are other places available out there.  I cannot hang all my hopes on this one property; I simply have to hope it turns out well.

I have got some up front talking to do, if you get my drift.  I am going to be making a move from Detroit to Boston quite soon, and am discovering the perils of renting a property without being in a position to view it right away.

Right now, renting is the only option, and naturally I started looking at places as soon as I found out I was going to move.  After recovering from the simultaneous coronary and aneurysm caused by seeing the rental prices of places in and around Boston, I buckled down in earnest, and promptly fell in love with a house that, wonder of wonders, I can actually afford!

But there are several problems.  Several things seem fishy.  The person leasing the house lives abroad … and wants me to pay a security deposit sight unseen … and barring that wants me to pay $350 dollars so she can mail the key with full insurance … and, and, and — and what do you do when you fall in love, only to experience so many fishy problems?