If you are constantly loan shopping you will pretty much end up at square one.

Let’s play a game of true or false.  

The realtor I saw in a local coffee shop new me as we had worked together previoulsy.

Just depends if the site wants to cater to the true fan or to a larger audience (and both are viable models). 

This is true whether those clients were on the optional recordkeeping program or not.I don't have a lot of details and am not personally involved in this program, but I have experience with SEPiraK separately and they are a quality operation.You can reach out to info at sepirak com to learn more.

For furnishings, we bought Sarah Weaver's MTR shopping list.

Sometimes that is true but certainly not always.

Shop consistently with a locally owned store that is convenient for you to stop at often.

Most first-time investors shop blindly and end up learning the hard way..Also make sure to present the deal clearly to the lender.

Your number does seem high to me, so I would suggest you shop around.