What's your go to process for getting funding?

[Robert P.]

I own one rental condo that I've had for over a decade.  Looking to branch out to multi-families.  To the people that regularly buy property, do you have a go to process to get your financing? At this point my thinking is:

1. Start at bankrate.com to get an idea of what lenders are offering.

2. Pick 2 of the best offers and apply to get some preapprovals in pocket

3. At this point, shop other lenders to see if you can beat your best offer and maybe try to get lenders to compete with each other.  (ideas on how/where to track down the best loan terms??)

Basically for doing my first multi family where is a good source to shop lenders?  Does it ever make sense to user a mortgage broker or does that just add to cost.  I'm looking at house hacking so I think I will get a better rate financing as owner occupied.  Thank all.

Rob