Here's what I can share about it....To become a private money lender... 

Not looking to connect with hard money. 

Austin’s a different beast..there’s a mix of tech money and old-school homeowners who appreciate a certain flair.

Although I recovered my earnest money, these unsuccessful deals resulted in some expenses, such as inspection fees.

They made their money.

I was thinking of getting rid of it and investing that money into another property.

Because of the time value of money I would rather have the cash flow today to reinvest in other projects.You mention that that seems to rely on appreciation- I think it is the opposite, by pushing out the term I am focused on cash flow.

Without a job, no money to invest.These are great suggestions Caleb, much appreciated! 

As an example, although we are “hard money” lenders we seek lower rate long term financing for our real property investments.  

Consider a scenario where a person owns a house valued at, for instance, $100,000, and they owe the town $40,000.