If possible have your agent bypass the sales agent and go right to their broker.

These people are brokers who get a commission for a company called sharestates.

Office time pricing and ordering materials , time spent obtaining and paying for permits , time spent scheduling subs , time spent consulting with the customer , time spent running for small materials .

Most states require you to be licensed (which you are) but your broker would also have to allow you to do it and yes you would need additional insurance.

I visited 2 of them and 1 of them was very wanting to sell by the end of our discussion, doesn't trust her current real estate agent, and has an "investment broker" who will be offering 900K tmrw.

Right now, I've only got my broker and my realtor, but we've just made an offer on our first duplex and things look promising!

There is a plethora of lenders one can do a deal with, but I'm looking for an asset based lender who is fast, reliable and has excellent customer service. 

This is how I found my broker and other contacts.

@Simon Yosepov this is where a good mortgage broker is invaluable. 

Let's say they manage 7 properties for a local investor with a rental range of $900 to $1200/month per unit - the reality is that they may put minimal effort for your business, versus much more effort for someone who is a significant local customer at a notably higher price point.