CONFUSED ABOUT LOANS THAT DON'T FIT THE BOX

Credit unions can definitely be more flexible, but it's not always a given. Had one experience where the CU was just as rigid as the banks...depends heavily on the branch and who you're dealing with. Still, generally speaking, your points hold true.

Yeah, that's been my experience too. Credit unions can be great, but they're definitely not a guaranteed solution for those tricky loans. Have you noticed how much it depends on the individual loan officer you're dealing with? I've seen some CUs bend over backwards to make something work, while others stick strictly to their guidelines—sometimes even more rigidly than big banks.

One thing I've found helpful is asking upfront about their experience with unconventional loans. Do they regularly handle self-employed borrowers or unique income situations? If they're hesitant or unsure, that's usually a red flag. Also, smaller community banks can sometimes surprise you with flexibility, especially if you have a good relationship there.

Bottom line is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer here...it really comes down to finding the right person at the right institution.

Good points about credit unions, but have you tried working with a mortgage broker instead? I've found that brokers often have broader access to niche lenders who specialize in unconventional loans—especially for self-employed or complex income situations. Sure, the individual loan officer matters, but sometimes it's less about the person and more about how many lending options they have access to. Might be worth considering if you're hitting dead ends at CUs or community banks...

Mortgage brokers can definitely open up some doors, especially if you're dealing with a tricky income situation. But I wonder, have you had experiences where brokers actually made things more complicated rather than simpler? I've seen it go both ways—sometimes brokers have such a wide array of lenders that the sheer number of options becomes overwhelming. It can be hard to know if they're steering you toward what's truly best for your situation or just what's most convenient for them.

Also, not all brokers have equal access to niche lenders. Have you found a good way to vet brokers beforehand to make sure they're actually plugged into the right networks? Maybe it's worth asking upfront about their experience with unconventional loans specifically for self-employed borrowers.

On the flip side, I've known some credit unions and smaller community banks that are surprisingly flexible once you get past their initial screening criteria. Sometimes it's about getting connected with the right person who understands your situation and is willing to advocate internally. Have you tried directly asking loan officers if they can escalate your application or consult with their underwriting team before ruling them out completely?

Either way, navigating loans that don't fit neatly into traditional boxes can be frustrating as heck...but hang in there. You're clearly doing your homework and exploring all angles, which puts you ahead of most people already.

"Sometimes it's about getting connected with the right person who understands your situation..."

True, but honestly, even smaller banks can get bogged down in their own bureaucracy. Had one officer totally on board, yet underwriting still dragged their feet forever... sometimes simpler isn't always simpler.