Wouldn't it be much easier (for him) if the gentleman sent a direct message right away?
And sure, input is always good. But why do I have to be asked questions here about the viability of my relationship??
You don't have to: that's why I also wrote a sentence at the beginning, which you didn't quote now. I'm no longer a mod, otherwise I would have closed this here. Why doesn't the person go directly via DM? He builds trust by criticizing doubters. That happens publicly. Maybe he already has someone else lined up, or maybe he just wants to badmouth and stir up trouble with everyone else who speaks from life experience. But it could also be that he doesn't smell the business with you either – after all, there first has to be a property.