The brokerage I chose though had training and partnership opportunities, many top agents I could learn from, as well as a more recognized brand that is very active in the local community on many levels.

In South African usage, the term bridging finance is more common, but is used in a more restricted sense than is common elsewhere.

 :) It’s common for new investors take a more personal towards their application approval approach.  

Do you need hard money to flip a house in an inexpensive area or are you trying to borrow $50k to use as a down payment on a more expensive property?

If he continues to balk at that, then it may be a smoke screen for a more significant issue.

Some will have a lower percentage of rents, but will make it up on fees, so if you have a more turns it may cost you more in the end than a flat 10% of rents. 

I agree with @Nathan G.that you should have a more solid number of what your ARV should be to be able to gauge your return on the investment. 

My recommendation would be to pay down the debt first, at least until it is at a more reasonable level. 6% risk free return compares to the ~2.5% you can earn in a high yield savings account. 3.5% incremental return to the equilibrium risk free rate is fantastic.

Rates tend to be 12-15% plus around 5 points (as opposed to say a more reasonable ~10% + 2 or 3 points).2.

Find yourself a Great Real Estate Agent - you'll become a lot smarter and a more savvy Buyer.