From what I have researched they seem legitimate but the person I am working with is flakey, takes forever to answer questions so I thought I would see if anyone else had experience with this lender.  

You look like the kind of person who is going somewhere.

Look into a DSCR, Debt Service Coverage Ratio, loan where the rental income can be used to qualify the cash out refinance instead of your personal income.To Your Success! 

Personally that is what I wanted, an active mentor. 

The interest rate on a HELOC or Heloan may be better than the personal loan. 

And what if the one person you didn't check has a criminal background, has collections, and more?

I personally haven't sent postcards, I've had good luck with PPC and Video ads. 

There are many here in my local area and your area is likely to have the same type of meetings.Most of the deals that I fund are by meeting investors in person at these groups and creating strong relationships. 

Personally, I would not keep a rental that is not expected to cash flow. 

There is an amount that you can distribute from an IRA account to purchase a personal residence.You then might be able to turn the personal residence into an investment property.Best of luck.