Personal Loan vs. Hard Money Option for Down-payment

[Ryan Pettengill]

Happy New Year All!

I'm hoping to break into the rental investment field and, like many newcomers, I'm running into challenges coming up with a down payment.  I have some savings but I'm hoping to avoid going through all of it on a down payment. 

I was hoping someone could explain the pros and cons between funding a down payment with a personal loan as opposed to a hard money lender.  I have a general idea as to how both work but I'm interested in learning the various nuances when it comes to which option to take.  Thanks in advance!