Choosing a Mortgage Broker

[Richard Huynh]

Hello Everyone,

I have questions with mortgage brokers.  My investment real estate agent recommended a mortgage broker that is located in a different city than the one I currently live / invest in.

My question is that I have not met this mortgage broker and that he requested a lot of information ( Social Insurance number, wages, income, saving and so on...).  Seeing as I have not met him, is this common practice? or is this something I should be wary of? Should I find a local mortgage broker?

Additional information - I currently live in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.   

Thanks!