I'm trying to understand exactly what would be considered collateral.
Check this link https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.6311902 and you'll see what are those considered valid and not valid collateral. I suggest that you lock this thread for now if you have nothing to offer as collateral or your account will be flagged for asking for a loan with out a collateral. That's a No No here specially for Newbies.