There are multiple potential strategies it's just really going to depend on your personal situation. 

I spent about a year there and I had an overall good experience.Most KW offices hold weekly in-person training hosted by various experienced professionals.

I ran into these gugys personally coming out of the GFC were money was really tough to raise..

Even if the owner seems like a really nice person, they will micromanage the builder and not like the specs of the house the builder needs to do, and/or the timing in which the builder gets it done, etc. 

They might be willing to give different terms especially to a high net worth person that they can likely make money on cross selling.

can anyone you know in person vouch for this lender? 

As an avid public and private markets investor, I solely believe a person's network is their net worth.

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. 

Recently had a conversation with an MLO who had their license with Company A (NMLS regulated) and then on the side, this person conducted commercial-only business loan-related activity by starting their own LLC (company B) in the states where no mortgage licenses are required.

Quote from @Hanna Brown: @Jay Hinrichs If the bidder at the auction pays cash for keys to get the homeowner out, does the person redeeming from the owner position (exercising rights of redemption w/in 180 days) have to reimburse them for those costs they paid to get the homeowner out?