I found an agent but they wanted me to sign an exclusive agreement for one year and I prefer to have more flexibility worst case scenario.

That type of relationship could provide a lot of information from another perspective unique from yours as an agent, as well as giving you some flexibility with your clients if needed.

If you can qualify for a traditional mortgage that spreads your loan out over a longer period for a pretty good rate; lower monthly payments support better cashflow and give you more flexibility in the amount of rent you can charge, which can be helpful in a competitive market.

This makes them more flexible.

@Doug HallNo, you do not need a custodian for a Solo 401k and a checkbook 401k gives you the additional control and flexibility it is known for by circumventing the custodial middleman.

That will affect things like cash flow, etc... but I feel that the flexibility it offers is perfect.  

Simple answer is that any broker should be flexible and commissions are negotiable.

In our rental agreements we often use the term MAY, so we have some room for flexibility and for cases where there are extenuating circumstances.

I have had to recreate that (in a modified, more flexible form) for myself. 

The good thing about the HELOC is that your payment is more flexible.