On page optimization (essentially rewriting all your content so it’s unique and will help rankings), off-page (all your local listings, directories, etc), back-link building, consistent content creation, getting that content on high authority pages as a third party contributor, ideally linking back to your site, etc.

I am thinking about offering financial aid in a way that would benefit both parties by paying his 35k personal loan off and essentially offering a "re-fi" situation.  

I work a full time job so these rentals would be more of an additional income, safety fallback in case something happens to my current job, and most importantly retirement income.

Essentially, if you can prove that your payment is what you say it is then a lender WITH NO OVERLAYS should use that documented payment.  

Your contractor will need to draw up a scope of repairs and/or drawings for use of the loan $$, which should essentially be standard bidding process. 

Outside of a full boat construction loan, every lender is going to want the piece of collateral in working order with no structural or safety issues. 

So far, I have just dabbled a bit on PeerStreet which I was attracted to because of their low minimums and track record of safety. 

On the other, you are doing all the work, and essentially, the investor gets more return than you since you lose all of the time associated with the property.

NOT  a license thru the dept of safety and professional services.

Without a contract you essentially have nothing.