I am looking for recommendations for an excellent, creative and responsive mortgage broker that works in multiple states and can help advise me as I start to build my real estate portfolio.

You should consult with your mortgage broker/local credit union.

In addition to Driving for Dollars, you can increase your mailing for money by working with a list broker to do more Mailing for Money.A lot of people have had a lot of luck mailing to Absentee Owners.

I am beginning to team build in the Knoxville area, specifically for west knoxville, and I would appreciate if someone could recommend a great mortgage broker or a great general contractor.   

Every excuse was made including by the Broker himself (who promised to handle himself), including lost check in route and "We have 5 offices, 135 agents, sell 2400 properties a year. 

If the loan amount is large enough it may qualify for Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae agency debt or contact your local\regional bank for loan products.2) Ask the listing broker if they can provide a submarket report from ALN, CoStar, or YardiMatrix. 

Read the text of the law that passed a voice vote last Nov: "...and whose education or job experience is verified by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or an equivalent self-regulatory organization (as defined in section 3(a)(26) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)"FINRA regulates broker-dealers and, among other things, license those who sell securities. 

I would consider selling but don't want to pay high broker fees.

I guess nothing similar in Ontario for non-brokers.

I know some custom builders doing foundation-up new builds with two car garages and 600-750sf 2br units above.