Ive known Dave for years now, and the one word Id use to describe him is Integrity.

And private financing can be wise if you are a diligent investor, which it seems like you are:)*If I would have known then what I know now, I would have used my first loan to land the largest deal that I could have. 

Fellow Iowan as well.

I operate out of Nevada so have known of Anderson for many years.

Each state has what's known as Admitted and Non-Admitted Carriers.

Simply ask the sponsor if they would be open to connecting you to a handful of investors who have known and invested with them for a long time.

Because it looks shady to most sellers, in a variety of ways. 

If i had known about this years ago I would have done it then. 

The property was my primary residence for a decade and now functions as rental unit so I am happy with the purchase overall and it has worked out well.

Like @Matthew Paul we have a variety of vendors and are always looking for more relationships.