MEL, the company we have our financing through seems to be not financing too many projects this year. Funny part of that is I recieved a letter saying they are going to cancel us unless we finance through them more. They have turned down 1 out of 7 people this year. Not very helpful.
We are also able to offer a warranty through the manufacturer, many companies our size can not do that around here. That is one huge bonus of being a certified contractor through any manufacturer. People might feel uneasy about a warranty because it does not mean anything if you go out of business but they tend to believe manufacturers will be in business forever. My preferred manufacturer is GAF since they merged with ELK. When I tell people they have been in business since 1886 (although not always making shingles that whole time as I recently learned) it makes them feel more confident.
Offering a low monthly payment is dangerous if you ask me. What if something leaks and they completly hold out on you even if its not your fault but they think it is. What if they just quit paying? Now you will need to eat labor and materials.
I think it is best if you get financing through a company. We work with Enerbank. They deal with the homeowner getting the correct information, if they are approved homeowner is sent a check with out company name on it as soon as we finish the job after a few more pieces of paper being signed then the money is available the next business day.