The first loan applications we entered to the portal had errors, but could not be deleted, even by staff, and could only be labeled, literally, as dead.

to simplify, here's what i would do: don't borrow private money, or partner, until you have a track record. 

I should have elaborated in how the utilities are handled.Septic is the only private utility, and thus is my responsibility.

Private money may be better. 

For lenders, I have access to private money lenders or if you want to go the traditional route, I recommend checking out Coast to Coast - Jeff Weller. 

. ;-) The following is just general informationIt sounds as though the seller has an investment to sell, not his private home.

I've closed a bunch of loans with Kiavi, Roc, and a few with ABL, I also closed with RCN, Easy Street, Lima One, and some smaller private lenders.I've come to the conclusion that the experience at the lender is not globally good or globally bad. 

I'm mostly focused on more passive investments moving forward: syndications and private lending to known reliable entities.

I bought this property with a private interest free loan from a friend. the person i bought it from need cash fast so i offered them a low cash offer and they accepted.I had enough money saved up to rehab the house with my savings.

They are on a big push to get back in the game though, have you seen their recent ads stressing that they only list private homes?