@Sara Valentine know your state and local requirements in addition to federal.

Don't ya find it funny how anyone doing price fixing is guilty of a crime UNLESS it's federal government, than it's *POOF* public good......     

In the parlance of the Federal government, such loans are called loans on one-to-four family dwellings.

If tenant won't pay, will government pay landlords?

I can see why you're asking this question because the terms "private lending" "private financing" "creative financing" "hard money" etc get tossed around a lot without explanation.The short answer to your question is that private lending is literally anyone who is willing to give you money other than government or government backed institutions.

What if the next regime downsizes government or we continue to decentralize it? 

Hey @Debbie Palmer, so I am with @John Underwood on calling.https://www.loganutah.gov/government/departments/community_d...There are several folks listed on that site that should be able to advise.I will say that she will essentially need to clear out all her personal and important things.

new federal law covers this.  

You don't want to discriminate in any way against a federally protected class.

Oh well....From the federal side and surely by any state, an attorney can originate a loan, following the requirements of an originator.The only issue I saw was with the trust being in title and saying you loaned to whomever.