You might get transferred a couple times until you reach the right person.

He would also be exposed to liabilities related to the property, such as lawsuits or property damage claims, which could affect his personal assets.

I really appreciate any advice or personal stories you can share.

Melanie, as much as I understand where you're at with this, I would have to disagree based on personal experience.

And the fact that you have a contractor you know personally is name of the game! 

I'd be going to as many in-person networking events as possible...here is a list of the BP events:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...I have a separate list that is more encompassing that I can share as well!

You would want ongoing financials personally and business wise and a personal guarantee.

Personally I start with AirDNA and check with the enemy method. 

From what I have researched they seem legitimate but the person I am working with is flakey, takes forever to answer questions so I thought I would see if anyone else had experience with this lender.  

I won't have time to shop for things in person.