Quote from @Michael Challenger: I have no qualms with hard money lending, but I need to learn more about the process and structure to these for typical deals so that I am more comfortable and in a position to reduce my personal risk and risk to investors as much as possible.

Quote from @Sergio P Ramos: @Jay Hinrichs did you demo it yourself or hired a company to demo?.

It's easier and faster to wholesale then go through the process of getting your license.

You need to be extremely organized and create processes and systems.

I just went throught the entire screening process and its more like $6,800. 

It really depends on the condition of the property and your relationship with the agent.We bought an off market deal years ago and hired an agent to push paperwork.

Additionally, I expect applicants to follow instructions in the advertisement and application, to make and keep appointments, to show up on time for appointments, dress and behave appropriately at appointments, and in general demonstrate throughout the process that they are someone that is easy and pleasant to do business with.

The more you know ahead of time, the easier the process will be.

@Grace Chee The process for this is time sensitive, you should have gotten a TRIM notice around late August, early September.

Thank you for the very thorough and clear thought process.