It is unfortunately when you're working with a large company and getting neither economy of scope or scale, nor speed and excellence.  

I'm definitely lean more toward the Dave Ramsey approach then the Robert Kiyosaki approach to property investing, though the Rich Dad books have some things in them that make tons of sense, I just don't want to be that leveraged even if it limits my speed.  

Leads can slow down and they can speed up... no matter what..

Sometimes, the right lender for you is the one who can originate the loan at the lowest cost, provide credits, or close the deal the fastest, etc. 

But do i use a real estate agent to help me find a home so that i speed up the process?

The fastest way to get to a million dollars in real estate.

I built using a construction loan and it just about bankrupted me because of the speed and issues with draws.

The fastest and easiest way to get started in real estate investing is with a house hack.I'm not exactly sure where you're at in your journey, but there will be times where you go "HOLY COW I NEED TO TAKE ACTION RIGHT NOW.

The third is that they understand that speed is king.

Alternatively, you can buy a mentorship to speed up the process, network and skill growth.