It’s always good to shop around or even negotiate a flat fee if you plan on doing multiple deals. 

Not to get too into the weeds, when you are face to face with someone, you can watch for mannerisms and non-verbal body language. 

I plan to shop around more but I’m surprised that there aren’t more funding options in California with the recent popularity of ADUs help with the leverage component. 

They cannot arbitrarily make wild gambles because they feel like it - they have to operate within established risk parameters that are approved by several regulatory bodies and internal controls.

If you’re nervous, dig into local investor clubs.. from what I’ve heard, even in London you’ll find groups meeting over coffee, talking shop, and sharing leads.

Not that these aren't needed but you can shop around.

Real- Estate  is a lot tougher game now because of technology now allowing buyers, sellers to access the market using the internet without using agents but  you do have hot areas that can support  more bodies .

Shopping around, I also spoke with a second lender.

This is my smallest property but the biggest PIA to get lending on since I can't shop it to Fannie/Freddie and competitors.

It was a pizza shop and now is a blank slate.