I think if you just say "REI guy" nobody will care, but if you spin the benefit, and don't emphasize REI it could definitely help.

If you are looking in your area, definitely emphasize that you are a local human being and not some huge company!  

These all emphasize, look for the agent doing the most deals, look for the agent with the most experience, etc. 

You did the right thing by getting a reference from a trusted source, but I guess this really emphasizes the point around having a good team/contacts which is something I have struggled with throughout my handful of years experience.

One thing I would add is to emphasize a review of the loan docs and covenants with your attorney and the financials that were submitted when you applied for and received the loan.

As suggested many times and it cannot be emphasized enough, consult with your attorney and structure it appropriately for the purpose of how you will be using it. 

If you have marginal cash flow, then to me that emphasizes further the need for stock reserves set aside and ready to tap. 

I have lived around Dallas for about 58 years and I spent about 5 in Denton going to college getting a business degree with honors in Business that emphasized real estate.Good luck to both of you!

I want to emphasize the "living in it" portion of things.

In most cases, I'd emphasize the NPV of $1 today and say keep the loan to a min.