We have always wanted to work for ourselves, and think this is a great way to eventually get there.I currently work full time as a dietitian and health coach, so most of this is new to me.  

Yet in my area people regularly say and EMD is required.

Attorneys who work with private lenders regularly are very familiar with all the requirements of the state in question, plus the usury laws, reporting requirements, etc.  

Just a thought, particularly since most of those scary people in the war zone areas have weapons of their own...and use them regularly!

Welcome to BP @Erin Swann  You might want to start with the BWI meetup group next Wednesday in Columbia. a lot of members here show up regularly. 

Just my two cents from a person who successfully manages a $106 million annual operating budget for Santa Barbara County's Mental Health Department.God Bless You!

VCU-MCV (Medical Campus of Virginia) and overall health industry is booming and bringing all sorts of new jobs and grad-students.

@Curt Davis   Who do you go to for the refi, credit union, regular bank, any conventional lender?

But if you don't plan to have someone checking on the property regularly then you should have a "trusted" contractor meet the locksmith to screw 1st floor windows shut and lock them, and secure back door with wood stud(s).

Banks and brokers regularly try to sell their unsecured debt to the unknowing.With an interest in notes, you both might consider buying an HP10bll calculator and a copy of "Invest in Debt," by Jimmy Napier.