Consider lending the ~$100K equity in private loans secured by real estate. 

I would like to connect with some private lenders to find out what sort of returns you are looking for. 

If I'm wanting to lend money to someone with my private money, for them to purchase or refinance and I'd be recorded as the 1st position lender, would that money be a tax write off?

@Quiche LynnIf a home is in foreclosure the options are to work something out with the lender, pay them the amount that is past due or file bankruptcyHow they get the money to pay the lender what is owed can be from any source, but unless that lender is brought current or has some type of arrangement they typically do not stop foreclosure

I don't have much in the way of equity but continue to save to buy my first property, I have great credit and a DSCR lender who is willing to lend to me, but I am missing the equity for the deals.

I mean I guess if a lender has no idea what they are doing you could but I would sure not plan on it. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

However, they are not familiar with the process of being private lenders.

@Sean Haran- thanks ...if you havent already done this - make sure to get fully pre approved with a lender  in order to make sure you can qualify for the loan amt you think you will need .

Finding good contractors, negotiating & budgeting Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?