Contrary to most business lending, the REI industry has a lot of "non-bank" lenders that provide attractive loans that can lower your cost of capital and improve your profit/cash flow. 

While they might not be the cheapest - no HM lender is "cheap" - they do a good job at what they do.

I've used the search feature on this forum but didn't have much luck.Are there any US investors, hard money lenders, or groups that invest in flips outside of the United States, specifically in Europe (Netherlands, Spain, etc.)?

A couple questions:1) Has anyone worked with local lenders like a local bank or credit union?

Having a solid team around you like agent, lender, contractors etc.

The other challenge is selling it, there is a smaller buyer pool for hospitality in a small market but that was known going in Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

My only concern to look out for is that things can go 'rural' pretty quickly if you start venturing outside of town, and most lenders are going to put the brakes on financing if the appraisal lists the property as 'rural' (has to do with what they perceive as the availability of future tenants).Watertown, NY - It probably is as good as you believe, but the lending licensing is pretty tricky up there, so its just  bit more difficult to find lenders that operate up there.

Being a lender for 10 years, all is that we required from the title company and the lender is that a notarized close was to take place. 

If you're looking to eventually scale then I would suggest a Hard Money Lender.

I would suggest going to the find a lender tab here on bigger pockets to find a local lender who has the same products.