Local lenders vs. national lenders

[Sung Woo Kim]

Hello everyone!

A rookie/beginning investor here.

I'm trying to purchase my first property (primary residence for the next two years and then rent it out) in North Carolina.

In the process of mortgage shopping for VA loan and I was told that local lenders tend to do better with closing on time and providing better service, but I also read somewhere that local lenders have higher rates?

I am really new in real estate and still reading books and learning a lot, but I am trying to understand why local lenders are better options, if they really are. My realtor is also suggesting that I go with local lender in this crazy hot market and he has given me a few point of contacts (all local).

Would greatly appreciate your wisdom/advice!

Thank you!