Opinions on FS relative to SS please

I like FS (despite having 4 or 5 loans in various "awaiting overdue repayment" states), but it operates rather differently to SS and MT so you need to get your head around it:

a) You don't start earning interest in a new loan until it activates or until FS name a date from which it will start accruing. For small pawn loans, they fill quickly and generally activate within a day or two. But there have been some significant delays in activating some larger property loans so, these days, many lenders are holding off committing funds to property loans until FS confirm an accrual start date.

b) Interest is only paid at the end of the loan (when it "completes"), either by the loan being repaid or renewed.

c) There is a wide variety of loan quality (IMHO), and rates offered often reflect liquidity as well as risk. 12% is "standard" usually but loans are offered at both higher and lower rates, not always for obvious reasons. Read the valuations carefully and make sure you're comfortable, rather than blindly pitching in.

d) The SM is very different from the others and triggers Marmite-like reactions; there are long threads on the FS board discussing the pros and cons but I'd suggest start by reading FS's own explanatory notes page.

e) In recent weeks, supply of larger property loans have exceeded lenders' capacity to fill them, leading to bonus rates and cashbacks being added. However I doubt this will be sustained for long (especially when other platforms are back in famine mode)

Same I like the pawn items stilll, investing in a few property not many. I doubt the loans are any worse then the offering on SS the only problem is it is unclear if FS take anything upfront or not.