An Hard Money organization in Charleston has been offering funding for 1st mortgage security to Flippers with good plans for several years now.   

I did this with a unit I bought in March of this year... a cash offer was really the only way I was going to secure the property I wanted.

Are private lenders for real estate able to charge private mortgage insurance the way that banks do as an added security?

While it can feel a bit scary, its an option to secure a property that makes sense from a cash flow perspective.

I'm looking to buy my first investment property in Buffalo and I've been surprised at how many properties have tenants paying way below market rents with no security deposits.

You may need to show proof of deposit for first months rent or security deposit as well.

Going into her bank and having the bank give her a "Secured credit card" where she puts money into an account and they give her a card like a debit but it reports to all (3) bureaus (Not a debit). 

How robust is the AirBNB market within 10-15 miles of the location?

I actually have a friend that used a love letter and was able to secure their dream home, so I will most definitely work on putting one together.

A promote is reasonable for securing all that extra financing but not a 20% one.I’d separate split of cash flow from split of equity too.