This is a cozy, private guest suite tucked right inside our home.

Hi All, We're considering our first private loan and have calculated our costs based on an initial conversation with the investor.

There are two idea I’m batting around in my head right now to get started on my REI journey – I can do it purely on the investing side and become a private lender or a source of hard money loans to builders/developers (maybe that looks like funding a construction loan collecting interest payments while buying time to better understand the dynamics and build relationships) or I can JV/partner with a builder and get equity (upside on a flip/sale) which would be more hands on.Curious what ya’ll input, what you think is the best route for me to dip my toes into REI given my aforementioned situation and current market.

Financing options include standard 25% down, 30-year fixed loans, FHA loans, portfolio loans, private financing/hard money loans, and seller financing.

Yes, I am a private money lender.

Alternatively, anyone know of any genuine private lenders that are open to this?

I sent you a private message in regards to this.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like that county provides that information for free online, BUT they do upload it to a private company that will sell you access to it online for a fee:https://www.courthouseonline.com/

TIAErich your best bet would be to amortize it over thirty with a 5 year balloon. the issue with private lenders  vs. banks is private lenders use their money to lend and many times it may not keep up with inflation - so lending for that long does not make sense.

Try to see the big picture when getting started - maybe seeking private / hard money to get in to the deals where there is more profit potential could benefit you.