Customer reviews are always helpful, but this is another tool in your belt for vetting companies.

Would 1st lien position and rights to collect the property if I default be considered skin in the game? 

With your income and plan to pay off student debt, you’re in a strong position.

2-I am trying to position to the Buyers to take it as-is: home has been used as a 2 family since its construction and I just bought it 2 years ago with this not coming up. 

They should get their attorney to draft documents for you to review such as a loan agreement.

Is there a type of mortgage insurance or bond you can get for owner financing that secures his position? 

@Elliott Sinclair Thanks for reviewing. 

So some responsible debt won't hurt you at all.Don't forget that theres some positives in assuming that debt. 

if you're not in a strong financial position, it's probably more difficult to be confident.That's a great point.

They were all non performing - many renovation loans where little reno was done and maturity date already passed - guessing it was inexperienced borrowers learning how to flip and were getting "easy" money. ya they took me out of about 14 of my deals and well being that I was getting paid it was not my place to coach them they made loans far in excess of my positions.