Help finding best mortgage lender?

My husband and I are looking at buying a house but wow is this confusing. We talked to a real estate agent today and they gave us a list of lenders they work with. Since the very top one has the same last name as the agent we talked to, we are a little concerned about this list.

The issue is that there are dozens of lenders in my city. Going online has proved no help whatsoever, even with angie's list.

I live in the greater New Orleans area.

Do you have any suggestions for FHA lenders? We are first time home buyers and would like to take advantage of the deals it offers. Yes, I know the government comes with its own headaches.

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