[prosperity]

Here's another way of looking at this scenario:

Develop a relationship with a business banker of your local community bank. Tell him what you can provide to companies who fall outside their lending criteria, tell him you have a prospect and arrange a meeting with the prospect and banker.

The banker will eventually turn down the business and you may lose the deal given the lapse of time, but in the end you may win a referral relationship with the banker.

Worth a shot, given the client has false expectations

Dope answer! You get an upvote!