Private Lending, Driver's License, and a Fake ID

[Curt Bixel]

I have completed a cash out refinance of several of my rental properties as well as my personal residence, and now have what, for me at least, is a mountain of cash.  

I am looking into serving in the role of a private lender as well as other ways to invest this money in real estate.  (My experience is in buy and hold rental, mostly duplexes and quads.)

As I put myself out there, people interested in doing deals are coming out of the woodwork so fast it reminds me of Worthington High School back in the 1980's when I was the one of the first kids my age to get a driver's license and a fake ID, and could thus combine the services of transportation and beer acquisition.  

The sudden surge in popularity was really quite something.

In any case, I have finally found a possible partner that is exceptionally professional, exquisitely organized, has a well established business and thus a business reputation to protect, and seems to have a steady pipeline of deals.  Right now, this is the person I am most likely to choose as a borrower.

I am, however, quite a newcomer to this side of the business.  I have had them send me some documentation that would be signed by both parties in association with the loan, and I am looking for someone, likely and attorney, who can help me assure that this is all set up exactly as it should be, that I am receiving a fair rate for my money, and I am appropriately protected.  

(My gut tells me this company is so nice and professional that there is nothing to worry about, but I am a newb, not an idiot, so these steps will be taken.)

I have attempted to begin educating myself by reading books on private lending, etc, but I would be interested in connecting with someone, again, likely an attorney, who can help me avoid problems and walk me through the process for the first time.