Advice on vetting Lenders

[Tre Tyler]

I am looking to make my first investment property purchase and am wondering what questions I should be asking to make sure the lender is a good fit for me before I give out my SS and they start running credit reports. My concern is my credit score taking unnecessary hits. Ive had one ask me for my social security number but im not sure if I want to give that up before im totally sure I want to work with them. Also, Ive heard from some podcast episodes that I should reach out to as many banks as possible and am guessing I wouldn't want to give my SS to them all? Any info would be appreciated seeing this will be my first time going through this process!