If you use a hard money lender, they are almost like a "check and balance" to your deal.  

We finally got to the point that we felt comfortable enough to speak to a mortgage lender.  

We finally got to the point that we felt comfortable enough to speak to a mortgage lender.

If I chose to fix and flip it I would need a hard money lender.

Since the bank/lender Imwill finance from has significant skin in the game, how much credence should be put into their due diligence of the business / deal?

I am interested in finding a rental portfolio lender for a potential deal I am trying to secure.

If this is from the lender's initial "closing cost worksheet" or "loan estimate" it would be an estimation.  

That would give you different expectations.  90% LTV would be asking a lot from a lender on a non-owner occupied.  

The Rub:Currently I do not have the down payment, next year or the following, absolutely.Possible fixes:1) See if a commercial lender will finance a down payment, while I pay the owner for the next ten years or until a can save enough for a proper downpayment, all the while paying the down payment too. 2) Find a rich uncle, who is not afraid of the numbers.3) Find partners.Legality: Is it legal to ask for a lender to fund the downpayment?

I am wondering do I need to use the original lender who originated the Freddie Mac loan for the loan assumption?