Further,"At least one borrower must occupy the property and sign the security instrument and the mortgage note in order for the property to be considered owner-occupied."

I'm asking for 1.5 month's rent for security, which totals to $5,700.

Make sure to do your market research, budget for renovations, talk to other investors/agents, and build a relationship with a lender to secure financing and get advice.

Leveraging Mark's local market expertise, we secured the property for $60,000.

It is the large community mailbox and you usually have to pay to rekey the whole thing for security issues.

I agree with you that if you are raising capital, you need to have other responsibilities in the deal, and you can't  get compensated for raising capital unless you have broker deal license.It can work if the sponsor who is running the deal is qualified, but unfortunately, people who purely raise capital can't vet a sponsor.Caution: If you're going to raise money for someone else's deal, have a conversation with a securities attorney.

Does the garage have proper firewall protection and heat alarms for whoever is sleeping there?

What's important is secondary security locks, AC/Heat for all living sq footage, all working outlets, damp rated bulbs in bathrooms, working appliances, fire extinguishers, we do 1 year worth of monthly air filters, which cost way less than ceiling fans, working fire alarms, etc.Best wishes, good luck.

Larger amounts you would be the sole lender and the sole bene so your secured and your HML is taking the points for their fees.In CA you can do fractionalized loans were the Bene's are actually co beneficiaries with secured interest on the loan..

A good team for out of state investing consist of a local lender, Property Manager, contractor and a good agent to coordinate with everyone to secure your transaction.