I've been reading the discussion threads above and am interested in obtaining a hard money loan myself. I do not really understand them that much and would like further information on the basics. How much higher are the interest rates usually? Do you have to put up collateral for the loan? If so, is there a specific loan to collateral ratio that must be met? Or can you only be lent what you put as collateral, etc. I'm very new to this and am looking to get a loan but cant get one from the bank. Thanks.