If a licensed real estate broker, not a salesperson/agent, has “made or arranged” the loan, then the usury law DOES NOT apply.

Are there any verbal agreements or arrangements between the current Landlord and Tenant?

If you don't have sponsorship, by definition you don't have a deal - full stop.

The reality though is most tenants make arrangements to leave when faced with a non-renewal or notice of default.

Just make sure it is a lease and not an arrangement that could be seen as a land contract. 

I find it beneficial to communicate my screening criteria to potential clients before they arrange a viewing or submit an application.It is useful to directly verify information with employers and landlords.Make sure to follow both your state regulations and the Fair Housing Act.

Otherwise, you can make an arrangement to rent the property to them.5.

My understanding is that I'd need to have the 20% in cash for closing but could arrange for the seller to put the 20% I need for down payment in an escrow account until after the closing with the Hard money lender.

It's why I empower the HomeRoom team to offer a cash-for-keys program (at no cost to owners) that helps roommates who are not fit for roommate living to transition to an alternative living arrangement that's better for them.

Here, any licensed CA real estate broker can arrange a fractionalized loan with up to 10 investors who will share the same debt position.