How To Checkout A Hard Money Lender

[Houston Pitts]

I have noticed that the hard-money and private lenders want lots of personal information.  I am not surprised that they want to know about credit, history, work, etc. in order to perform due diligence on making a loan.  What I have not figured out is how to screen these so-called experienced lenders from the hundreds posting in my area.  I want to do business with a legitimate business so that a lasting business relationship could be formed.  What I am afraid of is giving over all my personal information (SS#, retirement & pension figures, account numbers, etc.) to some slick person gathering information.  I am not accusing anyone but I am noticing a few I have called seemed a little shady on their questions.

Is there a way to check these companies/people out?  

How can I be safe about my loan practices as I venture into hard-money and personal lenders?