Using private money to flip and usury law limitations.

[Ethan Demir]

I have an SFR property under contract and it is a short sale. My private money person and I agreed on the terms; 12% interest, 1.5 points. Due to the usury law, the escrow won't proceed since the interest rate is above 10% and I've told that I should have a broker involved once I exceed the 10% limit. Questions;
- Does it have to be a RE broker with NMLS license?
- Is there a legal way around this? (not using a broker and using the escrow just to accommodate our transaction)
- What are the paper work / documents needed in this type of transaction?

If someone could tell me how this process works, it'd be greatly appreciated. I am in Long Beach, CA and open to work with a broker who is willing to offer his/her services.

Thank you!

Ethan