"Shopping" for a lender can be difficult because they can quote you "whatever" they want in my opinion. 

If that doesn’t work out and if anyone just wants to cruise by and talk shop let me know.

I envision it as a shop, creative space, fitness space, or simply as storage.

It's more accessible for one thing.Regarding seasonality, I worried about that general region myself, as I too am shopping in the region. 

So yes there are shops out there that do this but to your point they tend to be specialized, but we at least look favorably on "the little guy" or the "startup" we just like to set expectations up from regarding the different ways to engage our services.I'd be happy to show you via webinar what tools we have if you are interested.  

@Frederick Laura shop around...and while doing that build up your reserves.

I like shops and bars and restaurants near where I live, and I need more grit than what some of the "hot" spot offers.

I'd use a strong shop-vac to get a somewhat clean surface prior to filling in the gaps (after chipping away the imperfections).A laminate floor is pretty "forgiving" meaning it will take up some imperfections better than tile, wood or sheet vinyl.Preparing the surface is nothing difficult at all.... just spend some time and it will come out fine.

My current train of thought is like this, contact a few agents and PMs, then fly out to meet them and select one for each, then start shopping around for my first property.

To make them match I had a cabinet shop build a few doors that matched the "new" used cabinets I added to the kitchen.