Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

Private & Hard Money Lending

Valuable Insight and Information About Private & Hard Money Lending

Dan has given 350 seminars, written books, sponsored legislation, and penned technical articles on real estate and lending. Dan’s website provides reliable information and guidance.

Brokers and agents play a crucial role in this subset of the lending industry, making and arranging loans funded by private investors and secured by real property. They operate as intermediaries with fiduciary responsibilities, facilitating the lending process. The lending criteria in this subset are more property/equity-driven and less credit/income-driven.

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Introduction to Income Property: Lender Underwriting Guidelines and Practices Chapter III

Commercial Loan Structures & Strategies: Guide for Income Property Investors (2026 Edition)

Introduction to Income Property: Lender Underwriting Guidelines and Practices Chapter II: Income Property Classifications

AB-3108 – Allegation of Criminal Misconduct by Broker or Agent - Technical Review

Does AB 3108’s expansion of criminal liability for real estate and mortgage brokers create constitutional and practical concerns, including potential overreach into protected speech and increased litigation risk?

Actual Fraud Examples in Real Estate & Mortgage Transactions

Learn on the front end, not on the back end, when an accusation arrives at your front door.

Deeds of Trust: Structure, Roles, and Property Interests Explained

Foreclosure Procedure Under a Deed of Trust in California

California uses non-judicial foreclosure for deeds of trust, which is faster and less costly than judicial foreclosure.

Squatters’ Rights in California:

The Law, Myths, Case Studies, and Practical Defenses

EBITDA- What is it?

EBITDA—short for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization—measures a business’s core operational profitability, helping the audience see its practical importance in assessing performance. Unlike net income, it excludes financing costs, taxes, and non-cash expenses, offering a clearer view of operational performance.

GeoTracker in California is an Internet-accessible Database System Managed by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Its primary function is to track, store, and provide access to environmental compliance and contamination data for properties that may Impact groundwater or soil quality.

Foreclosure Laws and Procedures by State

Understanding foreclosure laws is essential for anyone considering buying a foreclosure property. Unlike purchasing a home through the MLS, buying a foreclosure involves navigating state-specific rules and timelines. Every year, savvy investors and homeowners use foreclosure listings to uncover opportunities—but success depends on knowing the legal landscape.

Defaulted HOA Dues- Liens and Foreclosures: What Every Homeowner Should Know

If you fall behind on homeowners’ association (HOA) dues or assessments, understanding HOA lien laws is crucial because they directly affect your property rights and risk losing your home. Laws in various states differ. The primary difference is between states with super-priority lien status and those without.

Defaulted HOA Dues in California under the Davis-Stirling Act: An Overview of the Foreclosure Procedure

California regulates HOA foreclosures under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code §§ 5650–5730). HOAs have the authority to record liens and foreclose, but strict conditions and procedures apply.

AB 36 California: How Permanent Pro Housing Rules Are Rewiring Local Incentives—and What Comes Next- Technical Read

SB- 4: When the City of San Diego (or any other municipality) neglects to comply with State Housing Mandates, there are specific procedures to follow.

Does the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insure Trust Accounts?

Trust accounts are a common way to manage and distribute assets, but many account holders wonder: Are trust accounts insured by the FDIC? The answer is yes—under specific rules that were recently updated.

Introduction to Income Property Lender Practices and Underwriting: Chapter I, Section II

Poof! My Deal Just Went Up in Smoke: Why Real Estate Transactions Collapse and How to Salvage Them

In real estate, few things are more gut-wrenching than watching a deal unravel after weeks of effort. One moment, you’re celebrating a signed purchase agreement; the next, you’re explaining to your client why the closing won’t happen. Deals fall apart for many reasons—some preventable, others unavoidable. Understanding these pitfalls and remedies can save time, money, and relationships.

When the Title of Real Property Is Held in a Trust and the Trustor/Trustee Passes Away- Quick Read

The Trustor/Trustee Passes Away (dies): Title of Real Property Is Held by the Trustee of the Trust- Technical Read