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.
Most OTC trades are done by reputable players and random people. That is the best way. The less they know about you, the better. Since they have a lot of volume you are a nobody to them, a needle in a haystack and probably one of poorer clients. When you disclose and deal with people that are close to you, they can use this information against you any time in the future. Once you reveal it, the information will present a risk forever! If you ever end up in a fight with them they can harm you in so many ways.
On the other side the reputable OTC trader will forget your face after a week. You are nothing to them.