Good vs Bad private lenders

[Eva Karnaukh]

Hi BP friends! I was wondering how do you determine "good" vs "bad" private lenders? I am not in a need for financing at this point... But just curious for the future. There are ton of people here and there offering to lend you money... But how do you determine what whose are real lenders? It's not like you can "Google" those or look up in Yelp for feedback scans reviews and for credibility. I think that the risks are going both ways, for the lender and the borrower, so how do you ensure the honest and valid transaction?