Most importantly, I believe anyone who buys investment real estate should be qualified to obtain a loan from a bank, even if they opt to use an alternative lender.

Typically you want a better upgrade on a flip to target retail buyers who will pay top dollars.

The rates & terms they have access to seemed reasonable and I want to obtain a mortgage through them, but I can't find anything on them beyond 3 facebook reviews.

So, that would add 250 dollars to your debt to income ratio. 

You are losing thousands of dollars a month in potential rents and actual expenses.

As bad as the debt is and the resulting devaluation of the dollar, money is backed by hopeium.

Look for REIA (Real Estate Investor Association) meetings or local Facebook groups where active investors share deals and strategies.One of the quickest ways to learn is by offering to help experienced wholesalers with tasks like cold calling, driving for dollars, or handling follow-ups in exchange for mentorship.

Both of these programs can help qualify and obtain a loan for investment properties, but the tradeoff is that these programs have slightly higher rates than conventional loans. 

If you are losing billions of dollars and can't match the rate required due to the state insurance department not allowing it, there is no need to continue business. 

Landlords should request payment ledgers or obtain rent payment receipts or bank records covering at least the prior 6 months.