If you can operate on your own funds, I would higly recommend it. If not, do you homework when shopping. Some are ok and some are total ripoff operations. Can't recommend a specific one now as we haven't used one in over ten years.
I second that. Never used them myself. However, if you must....make a real plan to wean them within six months. You can do that if you don't buy too many toys.
I agree with John. Anytime you have a banker involved in every action of your business - it's going to cost you dollars. I've seen small carriers crash and burn by it's addicting quality.