Good evening, I'm just starting my real estate investing and was wondering what are the steps for a hard money loan, my credit isn't great to get a normal loan.

Some do, some don't, no absolute norm.  All

@Nikki BaiNot sure I’d take the gamble of waiting.

Actions I thought were smart turned out not to be.Just make sure you do most stuff correct than wrong and you'll be fine :)Great point @Cody L.I the market is doing very great now so it's normal to look back and think the same but I'm sure your money are been put to use on other $$$ generating investments so I won't see that as a mistake.Thanks for sharing. 

The first property I mentioned above with the 90% flood zone had a 24 feet feet difference in elevation on a stream with 4 feet banks, which means to get to the 100 year flood line would take a water depth of 28 feet ABOVE the normal water level. 

It is my understanding that in a normal rental where appliances are supplied and accepted, the tenant is responsible for any and all repairs to them (assuming it's in the agreement).

In this case you'll be the contract vendee rather than as the buyer, as normally would be the case.

Just schedule the repair like a normal person and that's that.

I'm having a hard time finding any that are knowledgeable outside of their normal transactions.

for example my building is brand new and it has all low flow valves and trim in the bathroom - this is normal.....