You have enough going on that you'll definitely save time and probably money by not trying to be your own project manager. 

He has been taking 14%+ hard money loan for last few years!

I now actually live in Colorado full time and am looking to get started. 

Many lenders want a clean title prior to handing over money for closing.

Have you considered the benefits of building relationships with private money lenders?

For me, and the advice I give my buyers:  Almost everything boils down to money. 

If they are, then the lender is playing middleman between you, Title, and the actual investor/wholesale lender who is underwriting the loan.

You can also hold money for maintenance, capex, taxes, insurance, or other projected expenses.

@Jerry WesthoffSome of the larger hard money lenders may be able to fund this for you, if not a private / smaller hard money lender probably would look at it if the arv made senseI would start with larger companies

I'll save the premium and know I have the money in case something happens, instead of paying the premium and hoping insurance comes through.