I am eyeing up a property I want to buy that costs much more than usual so my plan was to use a hard money loan to purchase, and rehab it with my own money, then sell. 

Plan is to purchase a couple homes over the next year.

That's why we require clients to spend a couple days with us in Milwaukee up front, so we can get on the same page and determine an asset quality.Hint: the hood looks much better on a spreadsheet than up close in person.

Yea this is a long-term personal play more than a strict STR deal. 

So we were charged about $250 more than usual.

Hey Jonathan - I usually start by checking what similar properties are charging in the area, considering things like size, amenities, and location.

*Note* In NJ I will qualify for grants up to 22k to contribute at closing- In PA it would be closer to 10k (Money leaves my pocket at closing)I’m open to all ideas and advice as I’m going to get started this year, sooner rather than later.

I can quote from over 100 lenders instantly, but like John Burke, I usually only work with fewer than 30 in a given year. 

So, what caused this sharper-than-usual slowdown?

What you propose is certainly less risk than what I had envisioned.