There's so many game players out there that don't close that I really try to set myself apart from them.

@Christopher Dumelle, I honestly tracked it for two reasons...primarily to make it feel like I was a little bigger player =) but too I am a data junkie (being in IT and all).

Think of REI as a 4 legged stool.Leg 1 - Buyers - for Investors, FHA Buyers, Tenant Buyers, Owner Financing BuyersLeg 2 - Sellers - A B C D Areas, Needs Work, Pretty Houses, Equity, No EquityLeg 3 - Funding - Bank Loans, Private Lenders, JV Split Partners, Hard Money Lenders, Owner Financing for Free and Clear Houses.Leg 4 - COIs - Center of Influence Referral Partners - Only after you have success stories, like CPAs, Attorneys, Financial Planners, etc to refer you business.Techniques include: Wholesaling, Rehabbing, Lease Option Flips, Sub2 Rent Out, Sub 2 Lease Option, etc.Private Lenders for Buy and Hold was your question.I would focus on sub2 and rent out.

Good apartment brokers will know what's transacting as well as who the players are in the neighborhood and what the history is.

I think I can add value by doing that for her, but I have to make sure there's a solid chance of a deal (which could be tough without knowing all the players involved up front).

I've been reading books and listening to CD's we've attended a CAREI meeting and I'm looking to participate in the group Mark mentioned below, with my primary focus being short sales and working with distressed homeowners.

Hey Kevin,Try some A/B testing: rural/urban Absentee owners.Actually C,D,E,F,G with different letters, then track your responses.

I've listed which books and CD's I've read or listened to so far.

Just like how the bank "borrows" your money in a CD at 1.5% and loans it out at 5-10%, you're just loaning your house instead.Related to this topic, I noticed a link under "Resources" called "FilePlace," where you can upload files to share with the community.

I think the days of table top LC/CD are behind us given court law and sue happy mentality.