You will learn a lot from the forums and podcasts available here but also don't be afraid to branch out and find local real estate meetups in your area.

@Marc Shin - Probably a national bank like bank of america where they have branches everywhere is easiest if you are trying to keep it simple. 

Having been a branch manager at a mortgage bank and then crossing over to Mortgage broker side, I can tell you a mortgage broker typically has significantly better rates than a mortgage bank.

As far as I know, no state legislature (via statutory action) or county recorder of deeds, in the US, has adopted blockchain as the "solution" for their chain of title.

I worked for IHG, the hotel chain, and if you are a franchisee, the home company can easily remove your status as a franchisee. 

Dozens of branch/market offices throughout US of which I am out of national HQ.

I own two homes in San Diego and one in Scottsdale - do I branch out or stick to what I know?

There is enough room for both - this chain has been a great for perspective.

I stop doing NPN because of the super long daisy chains.

I use a smallish local bank (about 30 branches) and have a great relationship with the VP in charge of residential loans and the VP in charge of commercial loans.