This is my first real estate property, but it's older and the loan amount is small (less than $200k), so the banks and credit unions I shopped around at are asking for higher interest rates.

Kudos to you for putting together a real estate investment plan - and don't worry about your newbie status - spring chickens are overrated ;)If you haven't already, I would recommend that you start talking to potential lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

Its like a plumber...some are part of the plumbers union, but you dont need to be a union member to be a plumber.An agent, or sales person is licensed to sell real estate.

So glad you've already plugged into the Bigger Pockets podcast - that was a huge source of education for me when I first started.If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

So glad you've already plugged into the Bigger Pockets podcast - that was a huge source of education for me when I first started.If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

I don't have many REI regrets but if I started all over, I would house hack early and often.If you haven't already, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

I’d really like to establish a relationship with a local bank/credit union early on.

Ive had luck with small local banks and credit unions lending on the appraised value.

Try calling Navy Federal Credit Union. 

You can probably find a credit union that would do a cash out refinance for maybe 70% LTV and if the property is valued at 230-250K you could possibly put 161-175K cash in your pocket keep the rental in Toole and go buy a few properties in Florida or wherever you decide to buy.All depends on how much you want to leverage yourself out.