I am a mortgage broker in Greenville, licensed to work anywhere in the state. 

I work as a commercial mortgage broker and can source the most appropriate debt depending on the deal. 

As a broker I kept it in house.

The factors to consider are your overall objectives, your credit score, DTI and personal financial condition I recommend you find a broker or originator whom you can trust and have them weigh your options.

You are giving the end buyer of the loan (not the broker) the interest upfront instead of over time therefore you get a lower rate.

I'm looking for general feedback on the strategy, brokers, sponsors, etc.

She is well established and is recognized as one of the top investors and brokers here in the Indianapolis market. 

You could raise your deductibles on your existing insurance policies (consistent with any mortgage on the property) or talk with independent insurance brokers to see whether you can find a better policy. 

I am currently in the last steps of becoming a licensed broker in Illinois.

It's a different business model than the typical broker-investor relationship.