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

In today's market, private mortgages can go down to the mid 3's and have numerous benefits, including not on credit, lend to llcs, and no income docs.

Often in real estate investing, you see others crushing it in a sector of REI and want to abandon your plan to chase the shiny penny.

One very safe way to do this is with a private mortgage note. 

Looking for an example mortgage/ promissory note (Contract for private lenders) for private "family" lender.

In my current situation, i wont be eligible for a conventional mortgage until i can prove a US income over time and so in light of that, is the next best option to either purchase cash or get a line of credit on the cash or get a private lender with a higher interest rate (7%)? 

I would like at private money instead, or buy a property and then rather than borrow against no collateral at a high interest rate borrow against your own property with an Open Line of Credit plus 0% APR credit cards to fund a deal with maybe the help of a HML.

I believe @Matt Faircloth covers some of this in his BP book, Raising Private Capital.

Hi I've been approved for a few private loans is it normal to have to pay upfront costs to attain the loan? 

The other option is to allow private showings only to pre-qualified buyers that can show proof of funds before scheduling a tour.