I was able to get it sorted out after posting on their facebook wall and getting a specialist to contact me.

Hardmoney lending is sort of like being a limited partner in a real estate partnership with a little more skin in the game.

The only issue is that they were not very motivated at all just interested in hearing my offer.

It was sort of a streamline -- much more documentation than expected, although no appraisal, no tax returns or schedule E's (just forms for them to obtain copies), no employment verification.

Also, since these properties will most likely be condos (making sure that the HOA covers the roof and exterior maintenance), do we need to get some sort of insurance outside of regular 'condominium insurance'?

Not sure you can get an easy extension, that sort of defeats the point of maturing the loan.

Our county switched all the pins about a year ago, so we knew it had a good chance of sorting out.

That obviously changes the motivation of the mentor without disclosure to the student.

She would be the logical choice, as it's in her best interest to write an offer acceptable to the sellers, and would be more motivated to push your offer.

The tail is the set of assets which are sort of the "dogs".