When to put a loan application in

[Zachery Hitchcox]

Hello everyone!

I currently have 2 properties, but those were financed as a primary home many years ago. I'm beginning my investment property journey and I had a possibly simple question regarding "order of events". 

Where I am at: Been talking to an agent from Strata Group Reality and others trying to lock down a good one in the central Florida area to proceed forward with. Also, I have spoken to my bank as well as some recommended lenders and just getting an idea of what kind of loan I can get and how much. Still searching for deals on buy-and-hold rental properties, but have not found anything to pursue as of yet. 

Working with a lender at Home 1st Lending in Florida, I needed to fill out a bunch of information on my finances as expected to see what I can get. However, its at the point where I need to submit copies of driver's license, social security card, bank statements, etc. Navy Federal Credit Union also wants to charge for a loan application fee and start going through that process. 

If I haven't even found a property worth pursuing yet, is this too early to be doing this? Are these lenders just trying to lock me in with them before its the appropriate time? Been a while since I financed property and it's the first time I've done a pure investment property. Advice here is appreciated. 

Thank you,

Zachery