Ben,I believe that there are two questions you have to answer, and then I'm going to respectfully disagree with one of the other suggestions you were given:First, (and I believe Jim identified this issue) is your transaction a true lease option or is it a deferral of part of the purchase price, including payment of a finance charge?

I have so much respect for those on this forum that help out and am so thankful from the knowledge I've gained from browsing over the years.As to my question, I am looking to secure a second lien position with a personal guarantee on a hard money loan in Pasadena, CA. 

I've had approximately zero success in finding properties on my own won't give my thoughts on realtors out of respect for the industry.

People respect knowledge.) experience (If you have a history of completing deals successfully, either for your clients or yourself, experience is very helpful to share. 

The partner and I would share the down payment and any repair costs respective of our equity position (e.g., 70/30) and the partner would co-sign on the mortgage to ensure that we secure the FHA.

A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.Discounts on some products and services are offered to BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proIf you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/The site has quite a few tools that can be helpful for new members.

In respect to being all in for $65 that included purchase and rehab to allow me to BRRR the property.

Respectfully,AP

A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.Discounts on some products and services are offered to BP members: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proIf you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guides

With respect to your opinion: that's your opinion and maybe the correct way to go in your situation.