Some of these lenders also hang out at REI clubs.Don’t fall for the online scam of private money lists, which are discussed here frequently.

Your little old Aunt Millie might think if you are offering 10% it must be a scam. 

So I was encountered by a borrower who is a wholesaler, and has multiple deals in CA.

The second issue I have encountered is the minimum loan amount.

Because it takes repetition for people to remember things and you have to be top-of-mind when they encounter a potential client for you!

The problem I've encountered is that she's given her attorney the power to sign the contract on her behalf and wants me to send it to him.

If you don't think finance is a big deal I suggest you spend just a few minutes and Google real estate finance scams and penalties for financial crime.

I would recommend continuing to be bullish but make sure the deals you encounter are not at an inflated price.  

I also had my first end-lender hurdle on a double that I had not encountered before, that is just the evolution of lending in California, and we are always learning and adjusting along the way.  

Sending a certified letter with a brief description of your intentions makes it look more professional, with all of the scams in the foreclosure sector often time leaves a lot of home owner that are in distress on edge.