I've shopped around a little bit and it's fairly expensive.

I'm doing my courses online through the CE shop.

So, we've only discussed selling to investors but I can see it's uses for a hardware store or large automotive shop for sure.

Then I quickly learned why realtors want you to have a letter of approval before you go “shopping”.

I believe the industry term is builders risk insurance if you want to shop around.

If you're still shopping around for a loan and need more recommendations, PM me. 

I'm very happy with the service they provide me in every way...but it never hurts to shop around (as the OP did).

Spend the time to shops around, speak with different broker, vet them out and go with the one that you like the most.

TL;DR - Commercial newbie needs to know how to effectively lease up a few shops in a tiny town. 

I'm slowly acquiring furniture and decorative items from garage sales, our local thrift shop, Craigslist, the classifieds and Restore/Habitat for Humanity store that sells donated appliances, floor covering, furniture, windows, doors etc.