Sounds like you're in the same boat I am.

I think I'm in the same boat as you, I don't want to give my price because I don't want it to be higher than they are willing to take and potentially pay more than I need to for a property.

If the money is used for consumer purpose there are a boat load of disclosures, licenses and regulations you need to comply with.Also, what is the value of the collateral, if should be substantially more than the loan amount or you could become partially unsecured both as a practical matter and subject to cram down or lien stripping if borrower decides to file BK.Also, if you don't have a deed of trust to go with this note it's unsecured, it then becomes expensive toilet paper.Also, you should get the deed of trust insured with a ALTA lenders policy.Also, this may be a personal thing but I like monthly payments, not everything at the end. 

Outside of a full boat construction loan, every lender is going to want the piece of collateral in working order with no structural or safety issues. 

And this takes a boat load of up front cash to pull off and a lot of expertise..

I am in the same boat you are in.

Here is what I considered with optimistic projectionsWinter boat/car storage (110/mo x 6 mo per year)Tenant storage (120/mo x 12 mo per year)Tool and van storage for a small business owner Leasing rooftop for solar - does anyone know if companies in the Syracuse, NY area lease rooftops?

Times are good now and the tide floats all boats.

I think a lot of So Cal investors are in the same boat as you are.  

I feel the need to purchase within the year because of the direction the market is moving and I don't want to miss the boat completely.