Portfolio Loan vs. Mortgage on Investment Properties

[Jerry Poon]

I have the impression that portfolio lenders give loans based on the performance of the properties. While I was speaking with my personal bank, they said they could offer better rates in the form of a traditional mortgage, but would cap my lending amount at a 43% debt to income ratio.

My goal is to leverage my money as much as possible to maximize my buying power. Is it better to forego the better rates of a mortgage and stick with portfolio lenders because of the fact that portfolio lenders can lend out more money in the long run?