I am a lender at a smaller community real estate bank and an investor on the side as well. What I have found is that Chase and the bigger banks are nice when you are starting out, because they are convenient.
However, as you grow and add more properties, it becomes much more cumbersome to use a larger bank, because you are only a name on a computer screen and they really cannot offer any deals on account fees and other cash management tools you might need.
The smaller community banks will work with you to customize your banking account packages to make sure it works specifically for you. They have the ability to waive fees, give you check scanners and everyone usually has Zelle or a similar system at this point.
The other benefit is that if you are a real estate investor and looking to grow, the smaller banks will be WAY more willing to lend you money to buy more buildings and grow your portfolio. Chase won't do that, or if they do, it's a huge pain in the butt.
If I have a customer who holds their property management accounts and business accounts with me at the bank, I always do what I can to make sure they are taken care of on the lending side as well.
It's a relationship, like old school banking, much better to do business with. Hopefully that helps.
Message me with any other questions!
