Referrals for a Competent Lender that can Move Quickly

[Andrew Watson]

Does anyone have any suggestions on a reliable / competent lender that may be able to move quickly?  We have the property under contract.  Our lender has now missed 3 closing dates, changed the terms on us twice, their appraiser has gone awol, and now my contract is about to expire.  And yes, when this is all over I will post an honest, if embarrassing, review of the “lender”.  As well our agent and the closing attorney - all of whom are done with this particular lender.

Here are the details:
Most important, it’s a 2 acre property. It’s 1.3 miles from the downtown area of one of the hottest bedroom communities of Atlanta. Vacant lots recently sold for $130K for 1/5 of an acre. The area is in the mist of a huge expansion of the downtown / village area, and this property is walking distance (with sidewalks). It also has a 3b / 2ba ranch which needs $15K and 14 days to make a fully inhabitable home, but the play here is the land. 

When the appraisal finally came back (2+ weeks later) it valued the property at $315K. We have it under contract in the mid-300s and are prepared to put 30% down, if necessary. Our plan is to do the light renovation, rent the home (it will clear the debt-coverage requirements by 50% or more), and begin planning and permitting for a small residential development. Planning, permitting and financing could take a year, by which time supply shortages and labor costs may have stabilized. Maybe. 

I don’t know if the appraisal is the problem, or the fact that we buy a lot with cash (we have good credit, but we don’t hold a lot of credit lines) or if it’s just the lender’s incompetence.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.