Here’s some insight based on my experience:Question A:Since you live in California, it’s important to know that California doesn’t care where your property is located.

Any tips to get the seller to come down on price or fix things to get the best value? 

A good commercial real estate agent should be able to point you to one.

Easier to predict expenses - typically no major repairs unless from association3.

If you're going to make a lot of changes, I recommend consulting an attorney to ensure you're updated on the laws.

pretty small hurdle to have a good win as a private lender just get paid as agreed.now equity participation loans those can spin the needle pretty well ..

It was close to home and near the university.

the costs for the Airbnb furnishings could be anywhere from $20K- $30K.. are hard money lenders willing to include this amount in the initial loan? 

After reading this thread, a few comments come to mind over this common A or B decision.Without knowing how much it is (no need to say) makes my advice (or more accurately, my opinion) more general in nature but here it goes:Lending has very little to no tax shelters whereas buy and hold does.

So many questions and things to consider.