Most of that goes to the closing attorney (if you are in an “attorney” state) - about $500 flat fee (included title search) in my case.  

When I was searching for properties, the listing agent's calculated Cap rate almost never factor in property management fee and I have always include it in my calculation.

I found it searching that local market, and utilized the service of a highly recommended local real estate agent.

And if this was the only time. 2) Ask for an Elevation Certificate  (link here if you don't know what it is)  3) try to get a DECLARATION page (same link if you don't know what it is) reason being a savvy agent can port over the rate if the seller is getting a killer rate due to government subsidies. 4) you can either shop the NFIP and private flood market to make sure you are getting the best price and best coverage. 5) make sure you are working with an agent that understands flood insurance (ask how many flood policies they have under 700 - Not an expert) 6) Google search "Lloyds of London flood insurance" know there is more than one option and you can hire a firm to shop them all or do it yourself. 7) Google search "Private flood Insurance" Know there are a great number of alternative to the government program (NFIP) and they are not all equal so again working with a flood expert could make this option a much easier option. 8) ask your loan officer or realtor if they know of anyone that really understand flood insurance and an expert agent that can make sure that the loan closing isn't delayed due to incompetence in this field. 9) let me know if I can help.

Part of my pre-application though is to search county assessor website to see if the applicant owns any property.

Search for real estate deals and make connections while you pay the debt off.

This is in addition to the search e-mail agents in Northern NJ which are almost always coming with price change on lower side.

I have search google and found many Hard Money lenders, but wasn't sure what next steps to take.

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Any other answer, keep searching for your CPA.