Since they're the ones closing the loan they should be able to point you in the direction of a capable broker that meets your specific need (Short sale, rehab, investment, etc.)They might even know who the players are for credit unions and smaller portfolio banks.Can't hurt to ask them.

I want to have a steady income coming in before I run from under the military safety net I've created.

Just who does the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the National Credit Union Association (NCUA) protect?

Has anyone used local unions to find contractors - carpenters, electricians, etc.?

Your best bet would probably be to market to smaller banks, credit unions, and out of state owners.

We are going to actually finance this one through hubby's credit union.

Do you suppose its a union/political thing?

Small local / private banks or credit unions may do it differently in your area but still with no biz credit and no history that is prob. a dead end.

It will probably hit you when you first start talking to a bank, or even better yet a regional credit union, about a blanket commercial loan on your rentals.

I give them a military discount on the rent (like 50 bucks - I buy with enough spread to cover it), they have been very good on paying their rent, the local losers tend not to screw with them and any definition of "rough" I have they have no problem with.