I'm thinking of your traditional non-qm/business purpose loan types.  

I was hit by an 18 wheeler 2 years ago - my fault- and tried to start a business last summer that didn't succeed, which it shouldn't have, being that I hated every minute of mobile detailing, and I recently got to where I am at least head above water, but I am paycheck to paycheck.

I have some friends who are in the STR business in Flordia I can definitely make an intro.  

I understand that notes is a business best learned by doing, but I am trying to lay a good foundation of knowledge as a starting point.To date, I have read these books:"Invest like a Bank" by Beaux Blast" Little Green Book of Note Investing" by Fred Moskowitz"Real Estate Note Investing" by Dave Van Horn"Note Investing Made Easier" by Martin Saenz"Invest in Debt" by Jimmy Napier"Profiting from Non-performing Mortgage Notes" by Amed HazelI welcome any thoughts or recommendations that the group may have.   

A Quick fill in.. we have a Commerical Resident property with a lot of equity and we are looking to use some of the money to buy a small seasonal business that has a ton of cash flow. 

You can check out hard money lenders and private money where they focus more on the deal itself than your employment. 

I am a busy doctor with some cash I have been saving for truly passive investment opportunities as I am limited with time right now.

Similarly, the initial losses in a new business should be viewed as the "tuition" necessary to gain invaluable experience and skills in a new field.

If 2 business owners create a contract, are their signatures enough to make it a binding agreement or would getting the contract notarized be a wiser decision?

I'm looking to better understand private money, I have worked with hard money before but does it differ from hard money?