Veterans United vs local lender in the final days before closing?

I’m about 13 days out from closing with Veterans United. It’s my first time purchasing a home solo, so I didn’t know I should shop around. I have a realtor friend (unable to use during the process because of a therapeutic relationship with their partner) who advised me to talk to a local lender. After doing so, I was told I would get a 6.15% rate (VU is 6.25%) and nearly $4k back at closing (VU is $799, not even my earnest money).

Also, in my state, I will be responsible for my taxes until the tax exemption is able to process (30 days to 1 year), which VU doesn’t have factored into the mortgage at all, and I was warned that I would likely get a tax bill after closing. The local lender’s monthly is $300 more/month than VU factoring in those taxes into escrow, and I was told it will go down $100 less than VU once they process the exemption. Should I go with VU and the taxes end up in the monthly cost, it will put me over budget until the exemption is processed.

I need help taking my emotions out of this. Should I jump ship this late in the game? I feel bad about them going through all the work and at the end going with someone else, but in the end, I need to financially protect myself and my kid. I’ve heard a lot of both good and bad about VU.