Efficient negotiations secured the property for $158,000 on favorable terms.

Furthermore, if I am understanding things correctly, RE investors use the equity in their properties to scale/secure more investments, right? 

Finding a property, negotiating a deal, securing a tenant, and managing a rental is seriously hard work!

If you're coming back to SD and want to live in the home you have here for the long haul, it's nice security to pay it down.

What are the best strategies for securing funding and investment for a private lending business?

That always makes it so much harder to rent, or secure a great tenant.Here's my standard go to list now for long term rental updates:-LVP that looks like wide plank white oak-Ultra Pure white on all the walls-Vertical/ modern stack backsplashes and showers-Pop of color on the cabinets (pop of color can include black too)-Butcher block countertops (lower end) or white quartz countertops (higher end)-Modern light fixtures in brushed brassKeep it neutral still but a couple of style choices with the light fixtures (which are cheap) and it will appeal to the masses.Good luck! 

He never used our renovation money for renovation.He also stole my mothers security deposit from her rental and so many more shady things I could go on all day.I have a list of property managers, contractors, former clients, etc that he has screwed over and have completely blacklisted him.

How do you typically secure funding for your projects?

Oregon Coast now officially too.

The vast majority of lawsuits against Landlords are for wrongful eviction, security deposit disputes, and Fair Housing Violations.