Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

Hello!Backstory: As some of you know based on previous post of mine I've found my first "possible" real estate deal.  A co-worker of mine is selling her condo (which is not listed on the market) and is allowing me fir...

My investments were all what they termed private placement and was essentially funds used for lending, buying notes and recently land trust.After MIdland sprun this on us, my spouse also has accounts, I did some research but didn't see a purpose to remove our accounts at the time.I have not been with ET long enough to give comment on them and what little "issues" occured were technical.

I also have no idea what room I'm looking at since they aren't labeled. 

I also invest in other assets such as stocks, and private companies as well.

Do some smaller dollar private lendingA property is too capital intensive and $20k will not get you very far.You also did not describe what level of risk you want to take, so that is something also to take into consideration when evaluating where to invest.

Credit unions, banks, mortgage companies and private lenders.They all had the same answer.

I have amassed a decent network of vendors, so definitely looking at fixer uppers.Eventually, I hope to grow my portfolio to acquire commercial loans for multifamily deals, I haven't started purchasing investment properties, only have my private residence.

My family made theirs in real estate (house hacking a private money funded 4 family when I was little) so two different philosophies.

I suspect that you'll have better luck with a local bank or private money, though it likely will still be challenging.