Ways to vet out a lender?

[Connor Anderson]

I am looking to get into my first deal and I have looked at 3 different lenders. 2 of them gave me a very similar rate and I know people that have used them for deals in the past. The 3rd lender is a "wholesale mortgage broker" and has given me a rate that is about .8%-1% better than the other 2 lenders.

So my question is this. Besides asking to speak with references, what some other ways to vet out a lender? When speaking with references, what questions should I ask? Are there any red flags I should look out for?