This being said, I don't believe we'll be able to meet the income requirements to qualify for a conventional.This leads me to believe hard money or private lender is more the only option to get my foot in the door, use my business to make repairs at very good rates, build some equity then refi once the balloon is due. 

I'm presently a facilities engineer by trade, who does some construction and maintenance for landlords on the side, hoping to get back into the private real estate game.

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

After that, the lender may use a private auctioneer to auction off the property and try to recoup as much money as possible.

Additionally, ensure that all necessary notices for filing an eviction have been posted and properly documented in your records.

Taxes are private, 1099 are private.  

For example, a private hot tub or pool can command a premium in most markets, which directly impacts ROI.Cost vs.

Financial Highlights•Acquisition Price: $72,000•Renovation Costs: $35,600•Total Investment: $107,600•Funds: raised from personal savings and private lender How did you add value to the deal?

My mark up is always lower than the direct lender because I don't spend money advertising during the Super Bowl or buying a private jet for my CEO, and we don't have layers of management we need to pay.

Investment Info:Condo private money loan investment.