To ensure your friend is trustworthy get a signed, notarized lien release dated the day you get the friendly loan.

Notarized copies of birth and other records will no longer be sufficient.

This Affidavit is notarized by a Notary Public.  

I meet the buyer and seller at the registry (usually on a sale) Everyone signs everything, I notarize.

If not, are you willing to get a license? 

And the documents have to be notarized prior to filing. 

On the less expensive ones they have the seller notarize the deed directly into their name then file it with the county.

Write up land contract, get notarized, both have copies, do not file at register of deeds.

Find out why seller is selling, ask for a rent roll, what repairs or updating of mechanicals and roof has been done, how long seller has owned the property, are there pets allowed, are taxes current, has there been any insurance claims where seller did not use money for the repairs, ask for sellers disclosure, are there separate water and electric meters, does rent include utilities or not, are there long term leases or month to month, does deposits transfer to new owner, if there is pets, is the deposit a fee or deposit.

Does options or any other contract have to be notarized either when wholesaling or when signing a purchase and sale agreement?