Otherwise the MF scene is too competitive or dead.  

There is just a lot of competition out there these days.

I know some mortgage brokers locally but feel like they are quoting higher rates because they are based here.Can somebody provide some contact info for mortgage brokers located in other parts of the country that may be more competitive?

@Aaron Aho,Something else to remember about the MLS is once a property is listed EVERYBODY sees it - the competition increases.For comp.'

But from everything I have seen, a very competitive product. 

Everyone wants to be an agent these days, so lots of competition.

Remember this was 2009 in the midst of the Global Financial Crisis, and everyone was getting laid off or working their rear off in fear of getting canned. 

It allowed me to offer a higher price to a buyer which put me ahead of the competition.

Even if I don't end up saving money vs. the original offer, probably doesn't hurt to "practice" being aggressive in finding competitive financing...

I am near Irvine all the time.If you find 60%-70% of ARV in SoCal, you would be a rock star ... you are in a much more competitive market than most, and Real Estate is highly localized. 70%-80% and you should be ok for wholesaling here ... if you can get it for less, all the better, but it would be very tough.