We spent money on the inspector, the appraiser, and the lawyer.

I considered ordering the lender's inspection/appraisal, but this wasn't an option because the water and electricity are currently turned off, and HUD won't turn them back on until I have submitted earnest money of $2,000.

I actually moved from Portland OR to Columbus OH because of the amazing market.

It's so easy that you really don't need anyone, but an escrow company involved in the transaction, so you would be saving lots of money. 

This process allows you to get a new mortgage for the purchase and roll any cashout from any equity (whatever is leftover after the existing mortgage is paid off on the old house) as the downpayment -  all without having to actually sell the old home first.

I have purchased a set of 4 properties in Salem NJ and need to refinance them all to pay off private money lenders.

When you say you are paying them - is this money going directly to them or into an escrow account?

Make sure that the tenants are actually paying rent and making payments on time.

If you form an LLC you can use hard money for rehab projects or DSCR 30Y rental loans for stabilized rent ready properties.

How does one start lending their own money to other RE investors?