Thanks for the feedback—it really makes me step back and think about this whole situation.To answer your question about the hard money loan: I went that route because I needed to close quickly, and hard money was the fastest way to secure the deal.

Since the BK must be disclosed in any securities offering, you would not be able to be a partner in a syndicator/sponsor type deal9.

I've also used some more obscure companies in the seller financing world like Pioneer Title in Idaho (they call in Long Term Escrow Servicing) and Security Escrow in NM (recently purchased by Sunwest Escrow).

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

The lender lent based on them being one thing which secures the debt.

If these things weren't disclosed that could be an issue.Did you work with a licensed insurance agent to secure coverage?  

Quote from @Jaša Rot: Hello Marshall,thank you for your reply.my idea was to sign a trust deed and promissory note with the borrower so that the loan is secured by collateral.

Depending on the application, first, last, security, and another month or two.

Glad we're secured, but nothing in rei is passive.

Consider all the things that could go wrong and see if the lease addresses them: unauthorized pets or tenants, early termination, security deposit, lease violations, late rent, eviction, lawn maintenance, parking, etc.5.