How to find a Private Lender To get around using a Bank??

[Bret Rubash]

I am looking to try and get into Real Estate Investing. I want to Buy & Hold rent out multifamily units to make passive income. How ever my credit isn't the best. 

I live in a duplex currently & Want to buy it from my landlord. Owns it in full he will sell it to me for $77,000 he showed me the Tax documentation its worth $85,200 I rent the top unit for $425/ month fully furnished 1 bed / bath full kitchen, The down stairs is rented out as a 1 bed room 1 bath, fully furnished for $495/ month, ( this could also be a 2 bedroom and rented out for $600-$650/ month. The currently land lord is using the one room that's closed off from the other living area with doors as a Law office.  This place is Zoned as G2- Commercial. So I could rent out that room to a local business such as a car insurance place or what not for additional income.  The down stairs been rented for 4 years by the same guy.  upper and lower have its personal entrance. the upper level having a read deck that's like 12x12 1 story up. 

My problem is my credit is crap I cant even get a vehicle and i Need a new one bad mines on it last legs, I was wondering do private lendors lend money for personal use other than buying homes and what not? I was thinking of trying to get 5 year loan from a private lender / investor,  That I could use To buy a vehicle, get dental work I need,  as well as pay off all my debts to fix my credit? I was thinking of getting something like a $20,000 - $25,000 loan & pay interest on what ever is agreed to in contract, so the investor makes money  & I myself benefit by getting everything back on track. 

There is another property here in town i'm interested in buying, I not found out what its worth yet or anything but its a triplex for sell with 3 tenants good tenant history bringing in $1,100 / month they are all 1 bed room with unattached garage, all snow removal and yard work done by tentants its in the contracts, The place is for Sale for $49,000  I figured I would bring in about $800 profit before taking out 20% for maintenance. 

I just cant do anything till I fix my credit & get back on my feet. So was thinking maybe i could get a loan from an investor. would be win - win, They make profit over 5 years interest & I set myself up to be able to star pushing forward into REI.

Private lending is different from Hard Money correct? Arn't Hard money loans short term?

Sorry for this huge long post. Any replies Thanks in advanced!