Overall, it sounds like this whole thing stemmed from a communication or integrity issue that occurred at the loan officer level.

Next move is New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut 3 flat then an office building.

Have you tried contacting the main office or different individuals in the company? 

GR is small, so most properties are within 10 minutes of my office.

Then think about writing off your cellphone, your internet, you car, your home office, your tax prep, etc etc etc.  

.#2 Keep an eye on interest rates based on what the loan officers proposes. 

Them helping one person try to save a few dollars will jeopardize their entire practice and every other person who does the taxes at that office. 

We're in a small town so we ask our bank loan officer who is involved in the community for a CPA reference.

Depending on the market your looking to work in.one way I find is to simply call one of the major title companies and ask to talk to an escrow officer and then ask them what companies does he/she see closing private loans in their market..

There you will be asked your criteria and then after answering a few questions you will be matched with 3-5 agents or loan officers in your area.