Because laws and customs vary considerably by state, the first thing I would do is find a good RE attorney who is well versed in private lending IN YOUR STATE.Knowledge of SAFE act considerations, Usury laws, etc can save you a boat load of money and headaches later.I would probably also suggest either placing your funds with a lender who has a pool (you'll get a lower return) or working with a broker very experienced in private loans.

Of course, it's going to be hard to get your first customer, but if you make 100-200 phone calls, you'll get one.I'm currently furnishing a place to get market ready and it's the worst.

A good GC should be doing this, but if they are not detail oriented, it may fall on the customer to make sure the details are there.It's so important to be ultra specific when writing a Scope Of Work and Contract for a construction project - of any size, even a small job can go south without the specifics being spelled out clearly. 

Quote from @Andrew Rees: In this case you're running a business...Therefore:1 - Be professional, 2 - perform excellent customer service!

All PG&E, SDG&E, SCE, and community choice aggregation residential customers — except for California Alternate Rates for Energy, or CARE, and Family Electric Rate Assistance or FERA, customers — will have to pay this tax, and it cannot be reduced or avoided, no matter how little energy a household uses.

Their customer service leaves a lot to be desired but the rates are great and they’ve always covered claims. 

I would start focusing my energy on building relationships and finding deals 

I’ve referred her to my customers as well and have had good experiences.

I would agree the Midwest will take the longest to change types of energy.

As a CA contractor I only have to call my broker and the customer is added to my accord, that is then sent to the customer directly, not through me.