I've heard 8% annualized is common but I guess it all depends.I also can acquire hard money loans but want to limit that if I can and just use private money and personal capital.Any advice is appreciated?

It's a walk out (private door) with ample room to make a large apartment down there.  

But, if you want to know the company, private message me.

Mortgage Broker/Loan Officer --A mortgage broker is the person responsible for getting me loans – especially if I am going “conventional” (not hard or private money).

You could learn about self directed IRA's and approach people that you know who have nice sized retirement funds and tell them how they could earn 10% on their money by becoming a private lender on a house that you want to buy and flip.

Where can we find private or portfolio lenders in our area or nationally?

Mike welcome to biggerpockets.I’m still trying to wrap my mind around the Bay View rental market, so private message me if you ever would like to meet up for coffee/tea.

I am interested in potentially using private money to get started in real estate investing.

Next we have PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance), or FHA mortgage insurance.

In essence, you work with your attorney to setup a PPM (private Placement memorandum) which allows you to advertise to raise money.