@ganz,

1. U can skip the agent and provide the 10% d/p upon signing S&P in front of your lawyer. Thats safest way IMO.

2. Insist to the agent to meet the owner, else back off from the deal.

3. You need to meet the owner and ask owner to provide you with his S&P to prove that the property belong to the owner.

4. Hire a S&P lawyer upfront and get your lawyer to advise you accordingly. Dont be penny-wise, pound foolish.