You have zero control over the stock market, whereas when you do private lending, you have significantly higher control and contractually guaranteed return on your money.

Could these waits be mitigated by going the hard/private money route?

Not all areas are bad and some of the areas that are labeled as bad, aren't that bad and provide the best cash flow!

I would take out a private loan on the paid off property to get the other one squared away

Here’s a breakdown of the main ways investors fund their first deal while minimizing their own cash outlay:1.Private Money & Hard Money Loans– These lenders focus more on the deal than on your personal finances.

Need some advice.I do some small private money lending to home flippers.

If you don't have the extra cash, can you get creative with a private lender or partner stacked on bank debt? 

You won't have to worry about pesky things like private property rights.

Please check your private DM and email messages and please respond there.

Many opt for other investing methods in their SDIRA like private lending, crypto, private equity...anything except collectibles and life insurance.Note that a Solo 401k is exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate so if you have self employment activity and no full time employees save for you and your spouse you should consider the Solo K as an option.