I am a private consultant for very eminent personnel in the Asianand Middle East region.

Insurance doesn't seem to be as standard as you would think it should be.From my experience things do seem to vary a bit based on property type, property status, region and of course the carrier.First does the property need any major renovations?

This will certainly vary by region, but in the midwest, midsouth, mid-Atlantic areas, most HMLs seem willing to go to 60-70% of ARV.

@David Beard: If these properties are in Canada, it is highly improbable in the current market that you will much north of 1% in most regions of the country.Roy

The national banks want trophy properties so usually are not a good fit although they typically offer the best terms going in.The regional banks I have found to be the sweet spot as they will go 7 years to 10 and will give better amort. and rates.

Don't guess, this is all guessing based on someone else's regional information.

@Purnell Cook it's not a matter of recommending it or not, if you want MLS access in the BAREIS coverage region you don't have a choice, it's the only game in town. 

Is there a regional forum or somewhere else that I might be able to connect with local BP-ers?

Must be regional, if you take away headroom in CO, you will get murdered.

Find a few small builders - they are usually tapped into the same commercial lending.These small local and regional banks are dying to lend to qualified borrowers.