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.

Together with it, i have a mortgage free apartment that serves as financial security. 

If I have no mortgage the cash flow is more secure.

I'll throw in my 2 cents on common differences I've seen in my career:CDFIs - Because of their subsidized financing structure, they have the ability to be a low cost lender (and sometimes provide grants).

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

He wanted me to paypal him 750 so that he would send the 20k needed to bridge the gap in the loan.The easiest way to spot a red flag is to start with going through a title company. hopefully you did nto give this person your social security number or other private information.

Since they are responsible for maintaining the relationship with you after the transaction closes, this approach adds an extra layer of confidence and security to your investment.If you can't find an investor agent that you like or trust that is also a Property Manager or works under a brokerage that has a Property Management Division, I would ask the agent if they recommend a Property Management Company.

You are not responsible for his failure to secure his personal property.

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.

It's a riskier loan given you do not carry a social security, no US credit & no experience.Due to increased risk comes mitigation (Lower LTV & Higher Rates)