Thanks a lot for the feedback, Gentlemen, and for relaying your personal experiences.
It seems that lending institutions are being wise in their skepticism because the sales people here seem to be blurring the distinction between "modular" and "manufactured" homes. If ever there was a case for "let the buyer beware" it lies here. I am now convinced that many who are buying what they have been told is a modular home will be getting a very bitter dose of reality when, in the future, they discover that their $160,000 "modular" is actually a manufactured home and worth $20,000.
I am fast concluding that stick-built by a reputable local home builder would be the wisest course of action.
