It's a riskier loan given you do not carry a social security, no US credit & no experience.Due to increased risk comes mitigation (Lower LTV & Higher Rates)

I am an investor in debt DIRECTLY secured by REAL ESTATE.  

We had a back to back booking that day so the cleaner was there at exactly check out time to ensure they could turn the place in the 4 hour gap we have. 

I recommend that you engage with a real estate accountant to ensure you set everything up properly. 

We have been fortunate to rarely hold any security funds from former tenants.

He wanted me to paypal him 750 so that he would send the 20k needed to bridge the gap in the loan.The easiest way to spot a red flag is to start with going through a title company. hopefully you did nto give this person your social security number or other private information.

Many laundromats take card payments these days, which is very helpful in verifying revenue.Look at the lease terms – long-term leases with reasonable rent increases are important for keeping costs predictable, and can also be important for securing financing.Also, check out the equipment and figure out what repairs or upgrades might be needed in the near future.

Some cities have started introducing stricter rules, so ensuring compliance upfront can save you headaches later.Out of curiosity, are you leaning toward any specific property types (e.g., single-family homes, condos, or cabins)?

For your first guests, go the extra mile—leave a welcome note, provide thoughtful amenities, and ensure the place is spotless.After their stay, send a friendly message like, “Thanks for staying!

The key is ensuring that even with a slight deviation, there’s still enough room for a healthy profit after costs.Regarding hard money lenders, many investors use them to leverage their capital and scale up projects, even if it means accepting reduced profit margins due to interest and fees.