Reduce liability & risk to zero whenever possible

With 1st position lien, with an insurance policy at full replacement value (usually 1.6-1.8% of loan amount), and by a signed executable quit claim deed should the borrower fall 30 days behind payment.

If I buy from one, can we do the deal through a title company and have a title policy on the transaction?

I may as well just have one heck of an insurance policy.

These "back end" points, as they are called, can be thought of as a reward or bonus for the broker selling a loan that makes the lender extra money, such as an interest rate slightly above market.Consider this example:Let's say the current going rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.5%, paying ZERO points.

Here's was my Pre-Purchase Checklist when I first started:Upon Contract AcceptanceEnsure Access to Property: * Make Copy of Property Key(s) * Purchase New Lockbox * Place Key(s) in Lockbox and Install at Property (hidden)If Certified Funds are Required for EM: * Get Certified Funds for EM from Bank * Submit Certified Funds to AgentIf Financing the Purchase: * Send Contract to Loan Officer * Provide Loan Officer Property Info * Connect Loan Officer with RE Agent Info * Have Loan Officer Schedule Appraisal * Make sure Loan Officer Knows Anticipated Closing DateDue DiligenceInspections: * Turn On Utilities for Inspection (water, gas, electric) * Schedule Termite Inspection * Schedule Property Inspection * Attend Inspection and Take Notes for “Scope of Work” * Get Final Inspection Report and Review for “Scope of Work” * Get Termite Letter/Pest Inspection ReportContractor Prep: * Create Scope of Work * Create Materials List * Determine Which Contractors Are Needed: * GC * HVAC * Roofer * Electrician * Plumber * Pest/Termite Control * Painter * Landscaper * Carpenter * Schedule GC Walk-Through(s) * Get Contractor QuotesPurchase Decision: * Perform Final Financial Analysis Using Estimates/Quotes * Perform Both Flip and Rental Analysis * Make Go/No-Go Decision on PurchaseUpon Contingency FinalizationFinal Purchase Prep: * Get Closing Date from Lender/Agent * Arrange Landlord Insurance Policy * If Financing, Connect Insurance Agent with Loan Officer * Follow-Up on Appraisal with Lender * Choose a General Contractor * Choose Sub-Contractors (if no GC) * Determine Exit Strategy * Create Rehab Schedule (if no GC) * Create Final BudgetPrior to ClosingFinal Loan and Closing Prep: * Obtain and Review HUD-1 * Obtain and Review GFE (if financing) * Ensure Loan is Ready for Closing (if financing) * Get Certified Funds for Closing * Determine How to Hold Title * Get Partnership Agreement Documents Signed (if partnering)Upon ClosingDay of Closing: * Get Keys * Change Property Tax Records to Home Address * Get GC and Sub Contracts/Docs Signed * Arrange GC and Sub Start Dates

I am wondering how/if to best use the Cash Value of my Universal Life Policy to assist in getting into RE Investing.

That is the reason I do not have a picture yet is because I don't have any which I feel are professional enough, but I guess I will put one up anyways.I think a compromise of requiring a profile picture once you reach a certain level of involvement in the site would be a better policy.

The biggest benefit I have found from our local REIA besides networking is finding out about the new local laws and policies that affect real estate investors.

Sarah,I have purchased most of my investment properties with zero down and it can still be done but you need to know how to creatively structure the deal to make it work for you.