I avoid doing business with some I know, because you tend to trust them too much and that is a very easy way for them to scam you or sell something that is stolen to you.
So what's your priority option, doing business with random guys? I think this is the opposite of what most people do. Dealing with people you know isn't about trust; you simply have a greater chance of recovering your losses because you can identify them better.
Good chance of recovery but also a better chances of getting robbed or killed- as someone who values privacy, I would never trade in person or review my finances life to a close acquaintance; instead, I would take my chances with someone online.