Local Banks. Is THIS the difference or a red flag?

[David Leander]

Looking to fund our first BRRRR deal. Talking to several banks about HELOCS. At this point, we're in serious talks with only one true local bank. The rest are bigger. All other banks are running the numbers, telling me what the computer spits out, and that's it. This local bank is different, to say the least. He can't give me a HELOC for a rental property, even though he knows its for a rental property. So we can't mention that anymore, but we do. Lots of winks and nods, but so far all in my favor. He tells me I can get a HELOC i probably shouldn't get if we move all of our accounts to their bank. We have an S Corp unrelated to real estate and it makes a lot of money. He knows that. He also says that if we move our accounts to his bank, he'll waive all fees to unlock that HELOC for which we shouldn't qualify.

He also loves the idea of me bringing him refi after refi using the HELOC i shouldn't have to buy real estate I shouldn't buy.

Wants me to drive two hours to his bank next week. "Maybe" if i do that and "maybe" if i move my accounts to his bank, that HELOC "might" be approved same day.

We can easily afford his HELOC, but it's several times what the others are offering.

So.  Is this the local bank difference i hear so much about?   Or is this a giant red flag?  Feels too good to be true.