I will say that I do know people who have worked with Lee in the past and like his educational programs.

This is the most unique real estate investor club, education, networking and mastermind event in the US!

If not, you could always maintain 2 separate IRA accounts, one self-directed for private lending, and then another for your traditional investing.

I'm currently pre-approved but my lender gave me a "mid-level rate" which I believe isn't my actual rate since I haven't chosen a property but me not being as educated on the behalf and thinking it was my actual rate I decided to rate shop a bit.

It is a tough market and there's nothing wrong with taking a breather and waiting for things to stabilize while focusing on savings and education.

How do you approach educating people on the realities of the business? 

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

There a ton of great DSCR options you can find on the Lenders tab at the top of the page, or connect with an experienced broker who can shop all the best lenders for you and educate you on the best options out there.

Typically, I also avoid paid education because there is so much free content.

Quote from @Jim Rice: Lauren, really just trying to put together a group that would what to meet up if possible and share education, information & build relationships.