Conventional Loan Limit

[Jef A.]

I found a property that needed repairs and was told by my lender that they wouldn't give me the loan because of the amount of repairs the property needed. Even though i could prove i had cash to pay for the repairs. So my question is there a general guideline that i should look for when trying to determine if a property would be approved by a conventional lender? The property i found needed paint, flooring and a complete kitchen rehab but was a great deal. 

I have no experience dealing with private lenders so i am reluctant to deal with them. I worry about things like them stealing my deal if i bring it to them or if i do a deal with them and do the repairs they try to keep the house for some reason. Excuse me lack of experience with private lenders.