There are many different types of lenders. Commercial banks will sometimes lend money for real estate sales.
Credit unions can be good sources of loans.
Government agencies such as the FHA and VA don't actually make loans but encourage them through their services. Mortgage bankers originate and serve loans. Mortgage brokers take loan applications and submit them to lenders who underwrite them. Savings and loans are responsible for over half of all mortgage loans in the United States. Search the Yellow Pages for lenders in the area.