Hard Money Heartburn

[Ryan Urban]

I've been visiting hard money lending sites such as E-Hard Money Lender, Lending Associates, etc., and I have a few questions I'd much rather ask YOU folks than one of their loan officers:

1. If LTV remains below 70% or 75%, how much higher are hard money loan interest rates and closing costs as compared to conventional loans?

2. I notice many offer interest-only loans. Is there any advantage to this strategy when it comes to investment properties?

3. What are the biggest advantages & disadvantages of working with HML's?

4. Are hard money loans primarily used for fix and flip, or are they also appropriate for buy & hold?

As always, thanks.