I personally can't stand banks now after developing relationships with private money lenders.

Hi Andrew:Your best bet is to have the title company run a preliminary title report to determine who the property owner is and how title is held.

Can I use a home as collateral for a private money loan even though the home is not fully paid off?

although there is a carve out for private folks who do not hold themselves out as in the business like we all do.those folks can do half a dozen or so like through their IRA or what have you.. but they cannot advertise in any manner..

@Russell Brazil Hey correct me if I'm wrong but the listing agreement language isn't even relevant here.The relevant contract for payment of commissions is the employment or IC agreement between the broker and agent... and I'd be willing to bet anything that contract says you get paid only if the broker gets paid.

It could be a point or so different.Some A go between 4-5% some B is 5-6%But I bet that in LA  or SF done A could be in the 3%!!

Now everybody and their mother's cat is doing it so we might want to look into storage and notes but also groom and nurture our network of private investors and such.We have lost touch with nature.

Should I go to hard money lenders for the rest or keep looking for more Private money?

Please feel free to private message me with any questions, would be happy to help guide you through any other issues.Good luck!

I think the approaches above have ruled out any kind of conventional mortgage, so I'm left with commercial loans/private lenders.