Traditional bank loans can be slow and have strict requirements, while hard money and private lending seem to offer more flexibility.For those who’ve secured funding before, what’s been your experience?

Looks like there will be some grants and loans to assist SFR and duplex owners only in the form of a lein on your property.

I've seen many investors get burned because they failed to understand their hard money loan terms/rates, even if they did acquire what should have been a home run deal. 

Start by getting pre-approved for a loan, ensuring your credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and finances meet lender requirements.

@Luke Hamlin you can buy a second home with 10% down with a Conventional loan.

It’s because having cash available doesn’t not necessarily mean the borrower has the credit CAPACITY to obtain a loan.  

I recommend that you find a trusted or recommended Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO), who can give you options for property-based loans (mostly investment loans) and they don't use your taxes but the P&L of the property.

He made his own mom get a loan?   

@Joel Oh- if you are using a loan to acquire the property - the lender  requires  insurance ....if you own the property  free and  clear - your  choice  but I would still  recommend  insurance 

You have a decent loan on the place that you won't be able to replace from a cashflow standpoint.So keep at it.