That said we also put in the offer once the deal is accepted we will provide additional funds up to 3-10 % of purchase with-in 3-5 days and provide a letter of proof of those funds for that money (with out taking it out of the bank) from my bank and send it with the original offer to show the selling institution we are a serious buyer. 

I know a student relationship isn't asked below, but it probably should be.Now, I've been on bus tours but with national organizations of government housing officials, pretty dry, but it is good to see and even interact with a neighbor if there is time and you can get away from the tour guide.

If yes, what type of lender should I be looking for: national, local (hawaii), lender in target market?  

You might have to seek out private lenders who are not an institution.

Martin   your causing the BP nation to go apoplectic with thoughts of 700 a month negative. :)

Even with 2% deals which I hardly ever see on multifamily I'm still hesitant because of the amount of competition and offerings from large high end complexes owned by institutional investors that are satisfied with 6-7 cap rate properties.2% deal on SFR are hard to find, but it gives me time to save up and avoid long term leverage on my rentals.  

I use National Tenant Network.

@Manuel Sarabia  The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and the National Association or Residential Property Managers (NARPM) are both highly reputable residential property management associations that offer professional designations, credentials, and courses.

I use one private lending institution and the others are people we have known for years and have history and a track record with.

Most are member of FIABCI (fiabci.org), the international real estate federation, or belong to national associations that are represented by ICREA and hold a TRC certification (worldproperties.com has all RE agents, check for TRC for international).