How to determine if a Private Lender is legit

[Alisha Magwood]

Hi all! I am a newbie to the industry and very reluctant when it comes to disclosing personal information. I have been looking for financing options for investments properties. I came across one "company" that sounded too good. So I went into investigation mood... turned out to be a scam. So, I've come across a PML. I definitely don't want to offend anyone that is legit, but how do I go about making sure everything is on the "up and up" when dealing get with PML's who are not "companies"? Need help figuring this one out, in the event a conventional loan/ bank is not going to work out for me.

Thanks for any and all tips/advice!