I just need to educate myself more about the lending process.

I would get the new tenant to apply and process it per your criteria.  

Starting the pre-approval process and it's been easy so far, but I do like to hear from people who have used a company before.

There’s normally action items that can be implemented into your management process that are more effective. 

And start the tedious process of building those relationships.Or you could skip all that and find a mentor that also has the community of likeminded people.It will take you less time but is likely going to require an up front investment.Btw have you done a deal yet or would this be your first?

You are likely overpaying by $5,000.Broker fee of $3,000 and Processing Fees of $2,000 seem out of place...but then again, i never used a broker to get a loan so I am not sure about that.If the broker was able to get you an interest rate or loan product that you wouldn't be able to find on the open market...its high, but likely fair.if you are getting a loan product that you could have gotten by going to a normal bank...seems high and unnecessary. 

What I love about Baselane is that it was built BY real estate investors FOR real estate investors so it's really dialed in to what you're going to need in order to prepare your taxes, keep your books up to date and the more operational aspects of being an REI like tenant vetting and processing rent payments.

Buy and renovate the property and in 6 months do a simple cash out refinance and pull out some cash and start the REI process all over again.I am North of you up in Pinellas County West of Tampa and there are also some great places up here that might save you some cash. 

Loan amount is essentially unchanged since the loan is just under 2 years old.I thought the lending process was absolutely obnoxious last time around so I was wondering if anyone had any good referrals or recommendations.

People who get evicted could care less about a judgement or the collection process.