So you need a hard money loan, where do you turn? If you think hard money is hard to find, here are four easy ways to find a trusted private lender:

1. Online. Hard money lending is a business just like any other, and most lenders have websites with information on the types of loans they make and the terms they typically offer. There are also numerous hard money directories available online, many of which are available free of charge.
2. Mortgage brokers. Some mortgage brokers work with hard money lenders, or know of ones who operate in your area. Talk to your mortgage broker to see if they can line up a hard money loan for you (usually for a fee) or just recommend some private lenders for you to check out.
3. Real estate agents. Your real estate agent may be able to recommend local hard money lenders that they have worked with on other deals.
4. Other real estate investors and house flippers. Hard money lenders rely heavily on referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations. Talk to other investors in your area to find out which lenders they have dealt with and which ones they recommend.

Although there are national hard money lenders, it is often better to work with a local lender who is familiar with your geographic area and local real estate trends. It’s also important that you choose the right size lender for your project; one that is not so large that you become nothing more than a number, but not so small that they can’t easily finance your project.

Once you’ve found a lender, you can ask them for references from previous borrowers; a reputable lender will be happy to provide this information to you. If a lender doesn’t want to provide such information, it should be a red flag to you as a borrower that they may not be a legit hard money lender.

The main trick to finding a good hard money lender is to ask around and talk to others in the industry to referrals and recommendations. And always remember that hard money lenders are looking for borrowers like you just as much as you’re looking for them!