Disabled Veteran shopping for the best mortgage rate

I love VA loans - By far the best option available, but when someone says "Best mortgage rate", I am always confused. best based off of what criteria? A purchase loan, a refinance loan, a cash out refinance, a loan with the lowest rate (higher costs), a loan with lower costs (higher rate), low credit score, high credit score, single family house, multi-unit house, or something else? My best advice to getting the 'best mortgage rate' is two simple steps. Step one being avoid the big banks, and big online lenders. Still with the mortgage broker down the street. The second step is don't be too concerned about the company. Be concerned about the quality of the person handling your largest financial transaction - the Loan Officer. Shop for a high quality Loan Officer, and you don't need to worry about anything else. For VA loans in MN, WI, and SD, visit me at www.VAMortgageMN.com