We've successfuly lended on many homes that banks have previously denied.

To answer the OP's question,  HMLs will consider everything a traditional lender will consider but will often be willing to lend when a traditional lender will not.

If that is correct in my understanding then you are effectively lending monies to your IRA, which is prohibited.If on the other hand you are stating that you are creating a JV (20% IRA, 75% personal and 5% third-party), and your portion is a personal guarantee pledge of ownership to borrow the monies to pay for your share, then you are extremely close to stating that you are using your IRA based partnership to enable you to get a loan which is a prohibited transaction.While these appear to be good food for thought, as professionals we would be happy have you test the case with the IRS so that we can all learn from your experiences (I am sure Brian would concur too) :-).

Whether the loan is saleable or not on the secondary market is a different conversation but any financial institution can originate and portfolio a lease option.

I know they typically lend for a 6 month period, so I plan to pay for all the drawings and permits myself since those can take a lot of time.

I decided to work with the Norris Group to lend me the extra money that I needed in order to find a good flip deal.

Third parties in mortgage lending and servicing require license.  

So, I need advice and wisdoms regarding the other hard lending options out there... thx ahead of time BP members!!!

Private lenders are friends family and associates that lend to you because they know and trust you.

I was wondering if anyone could lend their advice and give me some general direction towards obtaining my first loan that I will be putting towards 3 single family homes, which will be bundled together for around $150,000.