Want to start Private Lending business

[Rachel Huang]

Worked with a developer on a couple small scale real estate developments in Bay Area in past 3 years and now I am planning to do RE private lending business myself. Any recommendations of forums or conferences to attend in order to get connected to private lending industry? And is there any training or association I can apply for to get private lending 101: what are the steps lenders do through a deal? What are the risks in lending business and how to protect myself from them?

Thanks!

Rachel