Portfolio lenders (smaller local/regional banks) have less stringent requirements, but their terms are typically not quite as good (higher interest rates, shorter amortization). 

We bought them though a regional building supplier we use called Kent.We installed an L-shaped kitchen with 90" of cabinets on the short (sink) wall and 192" on the long wall.  

The local to regional banks is where you can make inroads.

Every area is different, so you need to find out what works for you and in your region.

I understand there are a lot of different paths in real estate investing and I am still in the stage of deciding on a niche and strategy…as well as whether or not this is the right business for me.I understand that real estate investing is not ‘get rich quick’ as many gurus market, but I am curious about the amount of time that needs to be invested and length of time to achieve ‘success’- I do understand that this varies based on capital to invest, region, effort, goals, etc.Here is a hypothetical path I would consider:Buy and hold strategy purchasing 2-4 unit multifamily properties at 20% below cost, investing $40k/year leveraging $160k of property.

Please recommend a flexible (legal, of course) escrow/title company in the Monroe County/Rochester, NY region.

just curious, knowing everything is regional and depends on choices ...our apartments are formica and laminate not granite and tile...but what do people use as a per sq ft price or per room price to thumbnail renovations from studs to finished on a older multi unit building that's been guttedsample ad here: http://scranton.craigslist.org/reo/3784599553.htmlroof and windows new.

Thats the lesser known fix and flip strategy, but can permit good volume if you market them effectively, especially to out of town folks from expensive regions of the country.

He is a hell of a nice guy and does a great job with customer service but I always assumed he was in charge of my region (Knoxville TN) and not the only one there.

How similar are the loans as far as geographical region?