Good advice on getting down payment from hard money lenders?

[John Gaber]

So I've read a few of the books from bigger pockets and I like how they give Brandon's examples of good and bad sides of things but I was looking for more examples. 

I already have one rental and I have have a good cash reserve (but good is relative) but I'm looking at picking up more properties.  Any advice on working with hard money lenders or investors that are willing to make money on the money they loan me to purchase buy and hold properties?   I'm in the Seattle market and this market is on fire right now.   I have looked through the links that biggerpockets has on local lenders but not sure whats a "great deal" or not.   Some want points and cash, some just do interest only payments and you payback the loan etc.

Anyone done this before and have more examples that add to Brandon's.