Local Bank Pre-Approval

[Layman Bennett]

I have read that hard money lenders need a conventional mortgage pre-approval before lending.  What are some questions I need to ask local banks that they need for pre-approval letter (i.e. how long does the renter need to be in place?)? What is the best way to explain to them why I'm asking for a pre-approval letter?  Went to several local banks today but I realized I was lost on the questions I needed to ask and of course stumbled through the explanation of the process of the hard money loans.  Every time I said hard money loan they gave me a confused look.  I finally just called hard money lenders the initial investors giving me the capital.