I used tools like BiggerPockets to analyze deals weekly, and building a reliable team and networking with experienced investors helped me gain confidence.

Having cash reserves gave me the confidence to move quickly on a great deal without losing sleep over unexpected expenses.

If you can confidently do a better job, it becomes an easy convo. 

Though I have not started any deals yet, I have confidence I have never had before to do real estate transactions because I know if I get in a situation that I need help I have people that I can ask directly and work with directly to help me through unusual situations.

I feel confident after you do your first deal you'll be kicking yourself for not doing it sooner.

I have high confidence in future appreciation, but relying on it is certainly risky. 

If it's tight or you're uncomfortable with the tenant you have in there from a confidence perspective, especially if this is a first deal, maybe meet in the middle and get a lender at 75% or 77% (doesn't HAVE to be at 5% increments) that wont make you season, and leave a bit more money in the deal, but sleep better.Overall, if I cash flow well, have/keep reserves, and am comfortable I fixed everything in the house, I like to max out the LTV on refi.

If you're refinancing to a business purpose loan that's totally fine, but chances are good you'll need a lease in place for the unit you were occupying so the lender feels confident that it's strictly going to be used as an investment property.

I'm absolutely confident in my decision to work with them.

More questions, more authenticity, the more your confidence builds too.