I have taken my real estate agent course work and plan to take the exam and sign on with a low cost broker to handle my own transactions.

No transactions.

So far, we have received this advise from appraisers in the Maple Heights area: 1) Attach all offers so the next appraiser can better understand the market value, 2) Provide a letter from the Maple Heights Building Department discussing the addition of the egress window making the bedroom conforming livable space, 3) provide comps for similar properties sold in the Maple Heights area (these do not have egress windows), and 4) create an itemized list of improvements and cost for renovations to the property.We are grateful to the Bigger Pockets community for their advice as well. 

@Bryan PriceI am guessing you did not use a title company.Everything you did in this transaction was wrong (sorry to be the brutally honest one)When you lend you1.

The faster you find a replacement tenant, the less the departing tenant has to pay.

For example, an agent would collect a reduced commission, flat transaction fee, or no commission if the buyer sources an off-market deal directly.In your case, if you'd like to compensate your agent, you can include it in the loan.

But then on the other hand you are treating your family as a transaction and have rental income.

Relationship-Based LendingBanks: Normal transactions are always cold-blooded and policy-oriented.Private Money Lenders: Most often work with borrowers to create solutions and value relationships over strict rules.The Bottom LineThe power of private money lending, I think, is a pretty effective alternative for borrowers who need speed, flexibility, and customized solutions—especially in industries like real estate investing.

If its inside city limits, its usually a city planning and zoning department or some such.

The investors that I work with value that we act as their boots on the ground for the transaction and normally use the equity gain to buy the next property.