If you're still shopping around for a loan and need more recommendations, PM me. 

I'm very happy with the service they provide me in every way...but it never hurts to shop around (as the OP did).

Spend the time to shops around, speak with different broker, vet them out and go with the one that you like the most.

TL;DR - Commercial newbie needs to know how to effectively lease up a few shops in a tiny town. 

I'm slowly acquiring furniture and decorative items from garage sales, our local thrift shop, Craigslist, the classifieds and Restore/Habitat for Humanity store that sells donated appliances, floor covering, furniture, windows, doors etc.

After some research, I ended up with a home in sugar house which is close to shopping center and restaurants.

Shop for the quality Chinese and avoid the cheap ones.

I periodically shop around and found that Spirit Bank, TTCU, and Arvest typically have the lower origination fees and are more willing to build a relationship than that mortgage companies.  

We have talked to one lender in CA that will work with us but need direction on how best to shop and compare rates for a small loan before we lock.  

But if I haven't shopped the deal yet and don't have a buyer isn't it too soon to open escrow?