As a result, I had to go with a surplus carrier that was almost four times as much. 

But we don't want to borrow too much money and end up with a surplus that doesn't get used and just costs us interest.We hired a CFO consulting company that built us out a projections model, indicating the times in 2021 that we will need more funding based on our goal of 24+ this year.Does anyone have suggestions or experience in structuring some private money filling in the 25% gap in our existing bank funding?

That would just increase the death toll and property damage.Bottom line, If nobody has surplus to provide to the affected region, it doesn't matter if you are connected. 

We are building our emergency fund and the surplus of $3609.94 could also be used/kept there.

You could always go to the excess/surplus market. 

Using what I need to get the project done, with a little peace of mind knowing I have surplus cash just in case costs run over.

In the sidebar on the first page under the section labeled 'Acquisition', the down payment reads $0 ($85000 surplus).

Admitted vs Non-admitted (excess/surplus lines) policies.  

Invariably you add up the surplus interest paid over a fairly short amount of time, and it's a bigger number than the "help" you were given for the down payment.

I would like to continue to look for surplus properties in your county and will look forward to communicating with you on the next one..