There are definitely pros and cons to each so I figured I would just lay out a few benefits and personal thoughts: Small banks/brokerages:Pros:- Some regional knowledge of the market- Possibility of more creative lending guidelines with bank specific programs- Sometimes they have competitive rates for their areaCons: - weak balance sheet (more strict on some guidelines, no wiggle room, inability to be flexible or grant exceptions because they cannot afford to hold less than perfect loans)- Can't scale with clients to different markets- Usually limits exposure to individual investors (they don't want one investor to be too big of a portion of their balance sheet)- Lack of experience with multiple solutions (tend to have 2 or 3 loan products they sell and are too niche to provide tailored solutions)Large banks/brokerages:Pros:- Large compliance departments that understand individual market guidelines (typically each state has specific lending guidelines that augment the national baseline)- Ability to scale into multiple markets with same lender (licensed in many states)- Impossible for individual investors to "outgrow" a large bank's balance sheet (not concerned with one investor's concentration)- More lending solutions available for different scenarios- Often comparable or better rates given the game is volume basedCons:- Can be more difficult to get fast responses if the bank/brokerage does not have good follow up systems in place (or if the underwriting/processing staff gets overwhelmed)- Bad large banks can feel less like a relationship and more like a cog in a factory (less personal)Overall, I have worked from both and worked with both as a loan officer, branch manager, and as an investor/client myself. 

My hopes are to network, form connections, and learn as much as I can from those with the experience and create my own path in the game.

@Ali Ahmed I am not affiliated with @Mark Ainley but you may be able to find the list he referenced here on the Straight Up Chicago Investor's Podcast website.

For those of you who've done JVs whats one strong piece of advice to get in the game?

To put it simply, I’ve been told that I do not have enough skin in the game myself in order to cash out some equity.We bought the seller financed with only a $30,000 down payment.

The walk out lower level offers an additional room with two twin beds, a game room, and another TV 50" area with a pull out sleeper sofa.

Thanks for posting, @Rene Hosman.The statewide law is such a big  game-changer.

Study the problems landlords face, learn how to handle them, create policies and procedures, and get ahead of the game.

This is a great step to financial freedom, i would said what really change my game is using an investment loan that allow me to buy property that generate cash flow without have to show my income.

I too am from louisiana and just getting into the game.