However, I am finding through my talks with some lenders that, since I am still relatively new out of school and have multiple student loans (although I have great credit), my saving grace in terms of getting a loan to fund my first deal is the salary my day job pays me.I know that real estate isn't a get rich quick scheme and that I will probably have to stick out my day job for a couple more years, but at what point do you see banks, lenders, etc. start to give you loans to fund deals without a steady stream from a corporate job? 

Should I go thru a bank and try to get approved for a loan?

I just realized I never followed up on this... after some shopping, a local bank was able to do 5.35% back in May with a 45-day lock.

I am having trouble with someone who would do the deal with me, I have excellent credit, a good salary, just curious if anyone has a bank or credit union or work with. 

@Justin SumulongFirst, let me second what @Dmitriy Fomichenko (whose company is worth considering, by the way) said: stay away from banks and Wall Street institutions like Fidelity, TDAmeritrade and the like.

Absolutely, i just did a commercial loan with TD bank for my 3 unit property in Fort Myers.  

Always nice to fill the knowledge bank with random, unexpected occurrences.

As of right now I have a little under 30k in the bank but am able to add each month.

I just always advise new investors to keep a reserve in the bank - the peace of mind that will bring will be worth it.

Should i go to the bank first to know how much they can lending me or to pick an investing first and than i should go to the bank?