Figuring that Tesla's promise to deliver by EOY was good, I went ahead and secured funding before I was assigned a VIN or DA. I went with Fairwinds (based in Orlando, I live in Ohio). I had to sign up for premium membership to Lion Nation to be eligible. Once I was accepted into the CU, I called and was assigned a loan officer, who was awesome/helpful, and I was able to finance the entire amount due and get the check as soon as I got the draft MVPA from my DA to her (she sent overnight via FedEx). I was able to get 0.89% rate on a 36 month loan! Obviously that timeline doesn't work for a lot of people, but for me, this allows me to have my money sit in a 2% high yield savings account. In the end, not a lot of cash saved, but it feels nice, like I'm beating the system.
So, yeah. I have the check all ready to go, Tesla! Please get this car to Cleveland so I can pay you already!