Earnest money/Closing cost questions

[Eseta Matasau]

1)How much is generally required for earnest money? Is there a state standard percentage of how much money is needed for EMD? (I live in CA, btw.) or is it just negotiable?

2) Can you use a credit card to pay for the earnest money? Or money from a hardmoney/private lender? Or even personal loan? (I have a transactional lender who funds my deals, but was thinking maybe another personal/private/or hard money loan to cover EMD/closing costs for my first deal. I'm sure I can pay the EMD & all closing costs after my first deal.)

3) I know the price varies, but how much are closing costs generally?