I used realestateu.tv (I am guessing they are still around)DISCLAIMER: This is not an endorsement and I have no affiliation with them, and I get no benefit out of mentioning them, I just know they are one of the many that have a NYS approved course ready to go.

You can not obtain a lender's license and then a servicing endorsement unless you or someone within the company qualifies as the principal loan broker.  

@Jason Bott may know Of a company that has an endorsement to cover it. 

I have not used hard money, and I'm not endorsing them and would advise as with everything that you do your own due diligence before using them.  

Have the Sch-E endorsed "Under penalty of perjury, I certify the above is true and factual".Just like having an RE Agent with dual representation is a bad idea, using the same PM is a problem especially when you now know they have been fraudulent with you in the purchase,

The way these forms and coverages differ is through endorsement to them.

While the law is pretty clear that money belongs to the Decedent's estate and not the heirs (theoretically coukd be other heirs, claimants or creditors) I would do the following: if the amount is less than $1,000 or so:1) Draft a very simple release of funds referencing "CA Probate Code Section 7001 whereby the property of the decedent passes to the legal heirs, subject to administration of the estate."2) Include a simple release clause that they agree to indemnify you in the event any later dispute3) Write the check payable to both heirs, jointly, so that they both must endorse it.4) Send them a holiday turkey or something.

The underwriter who I talked with says that before she can underwrite the "Additional Ensured Endorsement" (apparently what I need to keep the title insurance), I need to get "Record Deed" and "Statement of Authority" drawn up by a lawyer.  

Chavez; endorsed by Apt.

I don't normally endorse other people in my area of business, but I think he does a good job.