Lending money to others is one of the oldest businesses in the world. You read about it in the Bible and many other ancient books. In this book, we’ll discuss a wide array of investments associated with moneylending and banking. We’ll briefly discuss the history of banking. We’ll talk about the types of banks extant today. We’ll talk about starting your own bank, whether that will be a large mortgage banking operation, or a small, self-directed lending business. I’ll give you an overview of the common concerns bankers and private lenders deal with daily. We’ll review common ways to protect your investments and how the current laws either enable or limit your investments. This publication is designed to provide general information about the subject matter covered. Bearing in mind that laws and practices vary from city to city, state to state, and country to country, and also because each individual situation will be different, the reader should consult with appropriate advisors regarding any specific situation.