These are general guidelines for bankers, however there can be flexibility depending on deposit balances, personal credit score and history with the bank.

That fee applies as credit to the tenant/buyer's purchase price. 3.5% works nicely for FHA loans. 

Applying for a HELOC: with 20% equity in the residence and considering taking out a line of credit to fund a down payment for an investment property in Chicago, Austin, or Pittsburgh.  

Just wondering is there any bank that will do a decent refinance with a credit score under 620 apt is being rented out now its a manhattan coop with alot of equity.

I'm closing on a house and plan to refi another house next so that means I can't make any credit moves for another 6 weeks or so.Thanks 

Depending on credit score and other factors, FHA or conventional may make more sense for one person over another.  

Half a year later, here I am introducing myself to you all after having read more books than my previous fifteen years put together and devouring every resource I can find, including no less than half of the BP podcasts (almost all played at 1.5x speed; thanks for that epic Quick Tip @Joshua Dorkin and @Brandon Turner).

I have a long standing relationship with my credit union. 

Go to a local credit union.

Should I start with any credit union or Lendingtree.com etc or any other source?