Using Private Money Lenders

[Alfredo O.]

I know its only been a year, but I still consider myself a rookie based on some of the experience I've seen on this board.  So with that said, here is my questions.

There is a ton of sites out there that talk about private lenders.  When you reach out to some of these private lenders, things sound great but I am still very cautious on moving forward with private money lenders that really don't have a site, business address (locally), etc.  

Does anyone have any experience with private lending that has turned out as you expected?  I am not looking for specific names of lenders, just looking for good conversation regarding this topic.....