Fascinating, so this is why the big players do a value push and sell or cash out to trade up every few years. 

Please also note that the loan would go a lot smoother if it was by a lake, resort area, beach etc.  

You'll be most effective by getting to know the principal, their concerns, expectations, time and other issues, and all players influencing the decisions and affected by any outcome.Suggest you copy and print this post,

However, I'd like to meet a lot more of the local players sooner rather than later. 

Its not like a bank loan were interest is charged on borrowed funds.. some of the bigger WEst coast HML because of massive competition for borrowers are having to resort to only charging on extended funds. 

You might bump into some money guys there, know they aren't "private lenders" they are hard money lenders fishing in the waters.You'll also find leaches there, (not a derogatory term) it's very acceptable practice in RE for an experienced person to team up with inexperienced players to get a deal done, these experienced types just leach onto newbies and work deals, there are some who do nothing but leach deals providing themselves with more opportunities with less effort.

(I'm 50/50 on this..meaning, maybe your contact has direct access to Hershel Walker (he's worth about 12 mm I've read) or maybe your contact is 3 levels removed from a bankrupt former major baseball player.

Though they typically don't have the software, tools and options of the larger players, they often have the best data, most tailored to the local area.

I'd like to have my own line one day- resort wear.  

However, networking locally at the real estate investing clubs and mixers will put you in touch with the local players and propel you to action.