Doing an unsecured loan is a horrible idea. 

or are these in fact just unsecured notes with no collateral ???

I question what percentage of those who invest in RE unleveraged actually understand the numbers and how extensive their underwriting effort.  

.: Quote from @Suman Nandi: ....leveraged RE appreciation historically has whooped unleveraged stock growth.....I just wanted to correct this here because "leveraged stock" which is a margin account, and trading on margin, I have seen interest rates of 12%/14%+.       

For future readers, many banks will offer an unsecured line of credit up to $25k.

@Bryan HarveyJust realize they provide high returns but it’s my understanding your investment is an unsecured loan.

Also, conventional lending will NOT allow you to get gift funds OR borrow unsecured funds to help fund a down payment on an investment property.

I have searched and filled out endless online forms only to have lenders offer me unsecured loans or other products, but not a heloc.  

Trying to cut my losses as the borrower got all her unsecured debts discharged through Chapter 7.

If not, you have the option to do an unsecured loan.