That way you are getting hands-on experience, reputation, money, and connections!

I'm still on the hunt for our next project, but in the meantime my partner and I are going to be setting up meetings with a few local builders with a reputation for building in-fill semi-custom new construction smaller homes for reasonable prices.  

What should I look for in a reputable company?

I lam looking for a reputable contractor to give me an estimate on a property for a possible full rehab in Wilmington, DE.

First of all POSTING anything about wanting private money actually violates a lot of Securities Laws.One of the best ways to attract private money is to attend your local Real Estate Investor association meetings regularly and develop relationships with the players there and a reputation as someone who knows what they are doing and who does solid deals.At your local groups:  SSIC, Metro East, St Louis REIA , Tim Grimmits Groups, Jason Pallisers Groups, Damon Remys Groups, Joe McCalls Groups and all the Lifeonaire people, you will find some event to attend regularly and there you will find.Hard Money:  Where you are going to have to start if you don't have a track record or friends and family. 

@Chris HakeI agree with @Brian Burke and Warren Buffett, "It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it.

Reputation will always follow you, alway work as clear as possible with your seller and trust will never be lost.

@Andrew Postell u know any reputable hard money lenders?

The cost seems worth it for the reduced headache.If you're talking about the former, look for a more reputable company.

I relied on the reputation of the company and checked their figures and the neighborhood remotely.