Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Speak with a lender and get pre-approved.

It is HIGHLY frowned upon in small business purchases, not sure about real estate but I think you should have a conversation with the lender first. 

Talk to a lender and your agent to get you pre-approved so that you don't have to go through the process and let one slip between your fingers if the correct deal arises. 

And, there is too much use and abuse of quitclaim deeds, they should never be used to convey a sale of property, except where a lender may require such, I don't agree, but they pay their attorneys big bucks to protect them so you may not have a choice.

Do different lenders have different requirements to qualify? 

Talk with a few lenders about using the equity in his current house. 

How many successful exits do you have or are your private money deals holds?

. - Lenders are not balance sheet lenders.

Call your lender and explain what you want to do.