Trick being finding a property that I can add enough value to bridge that gap... 

You are right, hard money is most used for rehab or shorter term "bridge" scenarios, so for a buy and hold strategy you really want a long term permanent loan, fully amortizing.  

If not most likely you'll need to use a bridge loan to acquire and then stabilize and move into long-term financing.  

If you actually need to close in your name but then immediately sell to another investor and need the funds to bridge the gap.

So if one guy jumps off a bridge, that guy is an idiot.

Summary: I'm looking for guidance on what information I need to vet someone I'm planning to provide gap funding to.  Full details below.I joined a Meetup.com group in my local NJ area.  The person running the group do...

Here are my current findings:MetropolitanLandmark CommunityOrion Federal Credit UnionAnd Angel Oak Bridge (actually in Georgia)Are all good to talk to.Then:Paragon BankTri State Bank of MemphisFirst TN BankSuntrustFirst South BankCommunity Bank MemphisAnd Financial Federal SavingsAll look like they might have programs- but have been flaky in communication.  

I will cross that bridge once it comes. 

I think a bridge line of credit is more a of a fit for a bulk deal where you have plans to resell them.  

For fix & flip you would probably need a hard money or bridge loan.