HOW do I find private lenders?!?! Please help...

[Sarah Miller]

Hi!  Is it possible to contact a financial institution who does SDIRAs and ask them to reach out to their clients about possibly investing in real estate? 

I am really struggling with HOW to find private investors!! 

Do I find a property I like first?  I can't possibly get something under contract without first showing proof of funds -

So I thought maybe I could have a few private lenders lined up, go find a property I like, take it back to the few possible lenders I might have and then get a commitment which would then allow me to make an offer...