Private Loans Or Debt Funds

[Bryan Hancock]

Who do you recommend right now that is doing solid loans that is taking investment dollars?  I'm open to short-term debt funds or first deed trust investments.  If the latter my preference would be to loan on projects near Austin since we're organized to take these projects back if needed.  

I see that Ian has Fund That Flip (now Upright) as his best of breed on his ranking site and I am also investigating Sterling locally.  Who else have you had success with recently?  My preference would be to tie up funds for 2 or fewer years if possible, but longer-term investments may work if there is enough additional risk-adjusted yield to justify the lack of liquidity.