We have over 17 loans with 1 credit union in our area (Jeanne D'Arc in Lowell MA) and due to our balance they need to bring our loans to the credit committee for approval.

Now my status is Application Approved.

This is different than credit card debt or debt on a personal residence.

My local bank approved me for a conventional loan for the amount of the deal.Savings and 401KHow did you add value to the deal?

I recently approved an applicant for an apartment.

You need to have the plan approved first.

I'm trying to buy a owner-occupied commercial property for $345,000, and the bank will only approve us buying $300,000. 

Adding up these two amounts will get you a similar approval amount as you mentioned above.Lenders generally charge a % of the total funded amount for this service.

The third option would be if the buyer can get approved for the new purchase without the proceeds from the first home sale, they can purchase with standard financing. 

If I were to get pre-approved for a loan, I understand that I would need to show proof of employment and I was wondering if the best option to fulfill this requirement would be to have someone co-sign the loan.