Help! I needhelp in verifying landlord's ownership of rental unit

[SteveGinGto]

My first post here. Hopefully many more to come.

I currently live in the Chicago area and am relocating to Gto in September. I have been working on lining up an apartment, and am doing it blind. I have not been to Gto to see the unit.

There are three people here advising me to do due diligence and find out for sure if the landlady and landlord own the apartment for sure. The two of them are in London, UK, and are asking me to Western Union the upfront money - the first month's rent and security deposit - to them there.

I am basically a trusting person, but with three people thinking I am crazy to send money to England.

Can anyone direct me to a rental agent or a realtor who would be able to check to see if the unit in Gto is owned by the people in London?

I don't expect a freebie.

Any help would be truly appreciated.

Steve