How NOT to affect credit score by applying w/ multiple lenders

[Roger P.]

Hi BP,

Maybe we chalk it up to the "cost of doing business" when applying for loans with multiple lenders to find the best deals on financing, but what are some rules of thumb to try to avoid getting multiple hits to your credit score when applying for loans?  I have a FICO around 820, so I already know I am eligible for top tier rates with conventional banks, but I'd like to see if that score can get me some special deals on low or no money down loans that perhaps only the unconventional lenders can offer, but they would have to run my credit.

Thanks