I know folks who bought strip malls and multi-tenant retail in 90s for 5-10 cents on the dollar at auction from Resolution Trust Corp after Savings and Loan crises in Texas, We are now going through similar deleveraging event after super frothy period in Multi-Family due to 0% fed funds x 20 yrs and many properties bought at 3-3.5 cap rates, especially in austin/dallas/H-town. 

For a lender to request a loan in full – they stop making money on it.

Also would come with the stress of a loan, and debt servicing.

There you will be asked your criteria and then after answering a few questions you will be matched with 3-5 agents or loan officers in your area.

Build Rehab Budget into Loan. rather than fund from outside.

Another option was using equity to buy a 3rd home with FHA (the first 2 loans were under VA).

My current plan was to take out around 250k by refinancing to a 550k 7% loan from a $290k 3.25% interest loan.

If I was in your shoes, I would have them be actual partners and guarantee the loan with you.

Does Lender need a lending license to provide a private loan for a residential property in Texas, considering both the lender  and the borrower are California residents?

Loan rate/terms get complex once you hit that 5+ unit property, so you'll ideally want to work with someone who can help on both sides of your plan.I'd also consider MTR as an option for a $70K property.