how to vet out which lender to work with?

[Iman Yu]

From all the pod casts I've listened to, it's always recommended to work with the non main stream banks for your REI loans. I can understand and agree to the points they have made on that topic. However, I only had experience working with banks like Wells Fargo myself.

Now, I am in a position where I am trying to vet out which lender I should work with?

I have a few loan consultant/loan officers I am vetting out right now and I am not sure what I should expect? 

What kind of questions should I ask to vet them out? How are they different than a bank like Chase?

What's your personal take on working with a mortgage broker/smaller bank?

Thanks, 

Iman