I have also used hard money and private lenders as well.What Started my obsession with REI:I, like many of the individuals on BP was frustrated with the lack of freedom as well as minimal feeling of accomplishments through my 9-5 job.

However, depending on the Trust Company you work with, you might have more options with respect to the diversity of public and private market investments.

If it's private money, they would issue a letter.

After 45 years investing across many asset classes, many investment types, and everything from lowest risk to outright gambles, I think I finally know the answer.The biggest divide is between investments in which operational control over that investment is with the investor, and investments in which control rests with another party.  

fix and flips are the vast majority of the targets for private lenders.

The biggest issue is most of these "gurus" that get new wholesalers involved teach them to be deceptive when they approach realtors. 

It is difficult to property vet these operators without learning on the experience of others - that is one of the biggest benefits of finding a Community!

I think BP is a great place to get people publicly together and then they can create a private group.

You don't want people peeking over their shoulder seeing someone's personal private information for example.

The biggest thing is to get started and take action, which it sounds like you are doing.