Implications of a long term rental pre-payment

macman

He's telling you that he won't be there very often because he won't be there at all. Once he has the keys, his 'friends' will move in, gut the place, install their equipment and bypass the meter.
Do you really think that a grower personally negotiates and rents the place, any more than a dealer makes his own deliveries? He's simply a hired frontman-and of course his (fake) references will be impeccable.
Why would he offer to pay 2 years upfront just because he is based abroad, since the rent would be on a standing order anyway? And even if he were genuine, have you considered the implications for your buildings insurance if the property is occupied by people who aren't actually the legal tenants?
I suspect you are seeing the upfront money and that is blinding you to everything else.
PS: you can't 'easily evict' anyone, whether they have paid their rent or not. You have to go through the whole legal process, give notice, serve papers, win a court order, and instruct bailiffs. It can take months.

Vectis

As a previous LL, I'd say use your instincts.

This doesn't sound right, so walk away.

Don't be tempted by the money upfront, it will only end in trouble.

tom9980

There was an older gentlemen who moved to the outskirts of a local village, he integrated joined the local shoot etc. he was apparently a retired clockmaker, married and came across as a good person. Well that was until shots were fired as he defended his hidden garden centre from being robbed.

nidO

The other option here of course is that his "family" will consist of 1 "sister" per room, who just happen to have multiple boyfriends per night visiting.