It is always good to check state laws as we live in a litigious society and, to be honest, you just can not be to careful. 

I work 11 hr shifts. 

It's starting in California now, and I think it'll hit us a year or so later, just like everything else, whether it's economy shifts or fashion trends.

I would never prefer to walk to my car alone at night after a shift.

So, $150k may be tight...Might want to shift your range from $150k-175k to $100k-150k.All that said, that's just my criteria....There are many other hard money lenders out there who may have different criteria.

I work a crazy schedule with a handful of 3:30p-11:30p shifts conveniently placed on days when a lot of the local REIA meetings are held.

Things can shift very quickely.

A shift in mindset from 'I can't afford this.' to 'how can I afford this?'. 

I have some properties that I used to profit on but don't now because the market shifted, and I have one that I bought at break-even foolishly thinking I was ok because "one day the value will go up"  will never make THAT mistake againDon't let this discourage you! 

Yes, but it damages us as a society.