Private Lending - Verification

[Justin Franklin]

How do you verify whether a private lender is legit? Alot of the ones I've connected with have no website, and an origination fee which makes me think it's a scam for the 1% fee. I'm also very skeptical by nature...just curious if there is a way that you've used in the past or you recommend. 

[Tom S.]

@Justin Franklin Most true private lenders are people you know and are investing in you: friends, family and business associates. So you would meet them in person. Beyond that you can get recommendations from REI meetings. An yes, if anyone is asking for money in advance, it's extremely likely a scam.