Its like sampling a NFL players 40 yard dash but for apartment underwriting.

At that point, I'd probably want the cheaper loan (which I believe would probably end up being the one you have now).I will say that I'm completely opposed to paying off a loan early (unless it's at such a high interest rate that you can't find an investment to compete. 

By that time I had 2 other competing offers lined up and we didn't get the house of course.

(and forgive me if this has been answered elsewhere) "do any of you folks who are wiser than I have any ideas about how to finance a home/fixer/multi-unit outside of the 2 main players?"

Account ClosedYou got a bunch of competing requirements. 

What we want is someone who is honest about accurately disclosing the fees and the loan process, is competent, that can work with us and communicate through the whole process.

Various firms compete with rates.

These large players understand how much harder it is to run a building successfully in a small market with limited resources versus in a large market with lots of resources where the wind is at your back. 

A little about myself… born and raised in South Florida, I'm a former collegiate football player (Go Badgers!)

But, even in the pre-COVID-19 market, is a "competing interests" issue.