Does anyone know what other documents I should have to minimize my risks as a private lender?  

I am not sure if it would be a waste of time and money on my first deal.

Hi Nathan,Be patient and start with a smaller dollar figure as it will minimize your risk.You can always build from there.Upstate NY is one of the toughest rental markets across the US in my opinion.Thanks and have a great day.

Jerry W is right. 45° installations require 15-20% waste factor however, an engineered, floating hardwood can have as much as 20-25% waste.

If you can easily find another tenant, let them out with minimal pain.  

Note that you can perform roth conversations over time (year over year), minimizing your taxable liabilities where possible.

Anything under 20% and I needed mortgage insurance which seems like a complete waste of money.

It wasn't a total waste of my time; I learned so much in that experience.

Other people heat their garages or barns with waste oil or fuel oil.

In my research into REI, wholesaling 'RE seems to be the best way to begin a new career with minimal cost.