About Us
Your Fast, Easy, & Reliable Local Private Lender
Who We Are
Private Lending LLC was founded by three real estate investors who saw a gap in the local lending market. Banks move too slow. Traditional hard money lenders are impersonal. We started Private Lending LLC to serve the investment community in southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia with fast, reliable capital.
Between us, we own and manage a portfolio of rental properties. We've been through the rehab process ourselves — the unexpected costs, the contractor delays, the race against holding costs. We get it because we live it.
That experience shapes how we lend. We evaluate deals the same way we evaluate our own investments. We move fast because we know speed matters. And we keep our word because our reputation in this community is everything.
Why We're Different
Speed Wins Deals
We close in 5-10 days. No committee meetings. No bureaucratic delays. Three decision-makers who can move fast when the deal is right.
We Keep Our Word
When we commit to funding your deal, we fund it. No last-minute surprises, no changing terms at closing. Our handshake means something.
Local Knowledge
We know the markets in southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia. We can evaluate a deal in your neighborhood because it might be our neighborhood too.
We Make Borrowing Money Easy
It's real estate, not rocket science. Getting a loan shouldn't feel like trying to land on the moon.
The Team
John Houston
Founder & President
John is a serial entrepreneur from Floyd County VA who has built successful businesses in farming, poultry, wealth management, lending, & real estate. All 5 businesses are still active to this day. John also served as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Bank of Floyd. John's wealth of experience in business, finance, and real estate - along with his 40 year reputation of being a man of his word - is the foundation of Private Lending's success.
john.houston@privatelending.llc
Aaron Tsang
Director of Lending & Strategy
Aaron is a native of Floyd County VA. Aaron started his career as a turnaround manager, before building a successful banking career as a Branch Manager, Commercial Underwriter, & Project Manager. He left banking to help John build a business that addresses the need in the market for borrowers to have access to fast and reliable capital without the red tape.
aaron.tsang@privatelending.llc
David Richards
CTO - Director of Loan Operations
David Richards is more than just the Director of Operations for Private Lending LLC. He is the technical mind behind the infrastructure that makes Private Lending fast, easy, and reliable. An inventor at heart, David has built a deep technical skill-set ranging from information technology, data security, workflow automation, & AI.
david.richards@privatelending.llcOur Service Area
We focus on the communities we know best. From Richmond to Roanoke, Wytheville to Woodstock, Blacksburg to Bluefield, and across the border into southern West Virginia — if you're investing in our backyard, we want to hear about your deal.