Lenders can be traditional banks and credit unions, hard money lenders, peer lending (LendingClub, Prosper), and peer real estate lending (what you identified).

Many locals not in the biz have a hard time identifying the niches here.

It is quite possible for somebody to have legal entry into the USA and have no credit history; when the proverbial "green card" is issued, I believe a legitimate SSN is also issued - and the service should be able to identify that the SSN and the identity of the applicant are for the same person.

A lot of options but they all start with identifying the need and pain point of the seller.

You can also use then to find deals, perhaps they can connect you with a client that is looking to divest.Bottom line is if you can define your goals, you will be able to better identify the people that will help you to be successful.Andrew

He spends in excess of half a million dollars a year traveling the world to identify the best markets, local professionals and opportunities.

Identify your partners and create an operating structure.  

Do most of these lenders identify as HML or PML?

I have two different metrics that I follow to help guide you determining your own criteria that identifies what is worthwhile for you.I want at least 10% cash on cash return on my rentals for it to be worthwhile to me. 

We've identified real estate as our path to building the life we want together.