According to the S.A.F.E. Act, loan originators must not obtain property how?

The correct choice highlights that loan originators are expressly prohibited from obtaining property through fraudulent means or misrepresentation. This emphasis stems from the S.A.F.E. (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing) Act, which aims to enhance consumer protection and reduce fraud in the mortgage industry. When loan originators engage in fraudulent practices or present misleading information about property, it undermines the integrity of the mortgage process and can lead to significant financial consequences for consumers.

The S.A.F.E. Act sets clear guidelines that require loan originators to act ethically and transparently, ensuring that consumers can trust the information and services they receive. By prohibiting acts of fraud or misrepresentation, the Act helps maintain a fair lending environment and promotes accountability among loan originators.

In contrast to this correct answer, obtaining property through any means deemed appropriate or in the regular course of their duties does not violate the guidelines set forth by the S.A.F.E. Act. Additionally, whether or not to involve a real estate licensee in transactions is not inherently specified as a requirement in the context of how loan originators must conduct their operations, thereby ruling out those choices as valid concerns within the framework of the question.