Here are a couple recent ones:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/587565-anyone-knows-james-mourine-or-mourine-jameshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/49/topics/595905-lender-scam-warning-north-carolinaOn the other hand, if you do know the private lender well (friend/family member) then they're likely well-intentioned. 

Can anyone recommend a contractor who has or is working with investors/flippers. 

I am looking for 2-3 Investor Friendly Real Estate Agents in the Bay Area/ Silicon Valley.

Between the renter and my friend I am only paying around $300 for the mortgage.

I currently have a spouse and close friend who will be investing with me. 

New to investing and my first property is a triplex in Alamogordo NM that I bought from a friend for $50k(seller finance) who wants out of the real estate business.

I began to try to harness some of my "how to win friends and influence people" dogma and told him that I could possibly provide him with a completely passive income stream that would allow him to move to Florida without any of the active burden that landlording required.

It is the biggest fear that I have, but not one to lose sleep over.

We take a friendly approach but always let folks know up front, “we will evict you“ If uou dont pay rent.

Please click on the links, give them a read, and share your thoughts in the comments.First is a post that I feel will help not get overwhelmed with the amount of info that is here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52761-the-simple-guide-to-getting-started-on-bp The second is a post that will help get you focused with your real estate investing goals:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/5868/52743-im-new-to-bp-any-advice-would-be-appriciatedThe last one is a post that will help you choose an “investor friendly” real estate agent.