There are many paths to success in real estate.That all being said, I should disclose I have been window shopping larger multifamily.

Some folks might operate differently or offer unique touches though, which is where a checklist might be helpful - things like wine on the DR table, bottled water on nightstands, coffee & creamers available...To get better performance and be on the same page, I also think it's important that you share the "why" behind some of your requests or feedback along with your overall vision and have them understand their role in accomplishing that vision or mission.

Guy will be a good sounding board for this type of stuff in case there are times the forums fall short, I'm sure he'll be happy to let you buy him coffee or a beer and chat RE 

I would suggest shopping around for a bank or credit union that can do better.

Shop around and don’t accept the first answer you get as gospel.  

I would be honored to have coffee with you  and discuss this market when you get down here.

@Ibn Abney in both cases you mention, Oakland and NYC, both real estate markets were driven by the concentration of technology companies that came into the area with jobs, attracting the youth with better jobs.Chicago has............................. no technology companies wanting to set up shop there and the number one city in the US where people are leaving the area.Without technology companies wanting to set up shop in droves, it's a dying city in my opinion.  

I would be happy to grab lunch with you and talk shop, but I will be out of town this weekend for a wedding.

I am shopping for insurance and I'm a little sticker shocked.

Please send messages and reach out if you are nearby (or even if not), I enjoy meeting folks and I'm rarely too busy to stop and grab a coffee with someone and talk about investing, real estate, personal finance or even software stuff.