Once I find a good one, I will work on establishing a banking relationship with them, which should help facilitate future loans.I am going to put the commercial side in the back of my brain too in case I don't have good luck with conventional residential lenders or terms change again for the worse.

It's a good idea to ask who they use as well, otherwise you might not get the same price.Take a buyer/wholesaler out for dinner (that you pay for), and pick their brain.

Drive the area, walk and talk, what's the reputation of an area, what schools are more sought, study the economics of the area, know city codes, talk to a local RE attorney, what is usual and customary there, know the settlement folks, pick Realtor's brains, attend RE investor gigs.

Both areas being so crucial for traction using real estate as a vehicle for generating wealth.My query to those of you in the industry is to pick your brains on how you got started, or stories of someone you may know about getting into the industry.

Keep asking questions and use your brain. 

I would love to pick your brain about that for a few minutes!

But there are good lenders out there with actual human beings and a brain who do sensible (manual) underwriting.

My question to you guys is: Are there any people on here from around the OC/LA area that have started their own business in a similar field, that maybe I could pick your brain about?

Maybe when I get my next place I might check your soon to be Father in Law Brain out.

Feel free to reach out and pick my brain on up and coming areas.John