Creative Financing for market listings?

[Samuel Gates]

I am ready to begin the process of purchasing my first multi-family rental property. I want to get pre-approved and wanted to know if it is better to go with a lender that the Real Estate Agent recommends or find my own Commercial Broker. 

Just a little background, I live in California but I am looking for propertiese in Missouri. When speaking with Real Estate Agents they often have a preferred lender but it is very hard to get a hold of them or they will inform me that they only work on residential properties. 

Also, I am open to doing creative deals but I am a little confused to if they are only doable for off market deals or if creative deals can be done with market listings?

Thanks,