If a listing agent gets both parties to be her client, he/she will get 5-6% commission instead of 2.5 - 3% commission.

As long as the person lending the funds is not a party to the sale, the terms of the loan are documented along with the collateral, and there is evidence of your receipt of those funds.Again, make sure you are working with an experienced loan officer that can help you navigate the guidelines, to avoid any missteps.

It is specific as to requirements and procedures for both parties.

All depends upon the buyer and the property type {SFR vs MFU}FIRST, property with tenants in residence have rights to the expiration of the lease.if SFRbuyer *may* wish to occupy -> tenant is disadvantagebuyer *may* wish to rent to other known party -> disadvbuyer *may* wish a turnkey purchase (ie tenants in place) -> major advantageelse if MFUrents < FMR, disadv rents = FMR, advant

If you are working with a local hard money lender they will generally have a local title company that they have done multiple deals with.If making sure there is a reputable title company involved, why then would the HML title company be used instead of one that is neutral between both parties?

I've looked into RUBS/sub-metering companies, as my preference would be to have a 3rd party handle the billing for utilities (I heard about this on a BP podcast, and it sounded awesome).  

Fifth, they lost the difference between what they lent and what it sells for 3rd party, or through REO if it reverts back so yes, they do suffer losses.

Just have Dorkin rent a 747 and have the next BP convention with a party in the sky.

Alternatively it could meet a economic wall that cannot be ignored and come to a very abrupt stop leaving a lot of folks drowning (just ask some of our neighbours to the south how quickly the party can end).Finally, yes, there is still money to be made, but the approach you outline is more speculation than investing.  

The only tough part is that your loan amount is small.