Exhaust the bank loans or head straight to Portfolio Lender

[Rick Martin]

Hello All

Although I have money to invest, I want to leverage the majority % my real estate investments. I’d like to purchase many properties, while putting 20-25% down - pretty standard. 

Here is my question… Should I exhaust all my conventional bank loans, most likely getting better rates, and having an easier time of it, or do I develop a relationship immediately with a Portfolio lender, who will, hopefully, be competitive and in it for the long haul?

OhAlso, if I invest out of state, should I use a lender in my own back yard, or is it better to have someone in the city in which I am investing. Thanks!

-Rick

ps Home state is California, researching Indianapolis, Kansas City, Jacksonville, Birmingham for investment