Confused newbie in Tacoma market

[Jay Walker]

Hey everybody! I'm a first time buyer and looking to do a buy & hold. The ultimate goal is to find a home that's livable for my wife, son, and I, with an extra room or two we can rent, and then in 2 years, look into renting that home out entirely and purchasing a multifamily or second home. Rinse and repeat.

I'm looking in the Tacoma area, but everything decent I'm seeing listed is pending within hours. My realtor states that summer in this area is a seller's market, and any good listing will have several offers above asking, within hours of listing. That makes sense, but I'm also seeing that from the opposite side of the coin. If I'm a seller, I'd be listing in summer. So as a buyer, wouldn't that narrow my options if I wait until fall/winter?

I'm trying to do a zero down loan, but the lender is dragging their feet and (IMO) being fairly unprofessional by continuously asking for more information every couple days, and pushing things back. I was approved quickly by another lender, sent quotes and pricing sheets, etc. but was told by several realtors that they'd never heard of the company and not to trust them (???)

I initially considered the potential of a property that needs some work, but I have ZERO experience rehabing, dont know many contractors (I know one plumber and one electrician), and have never really done any construction work. I think I might be putting myself (and my family) in a bad situation going that route. 

I would love any feedback, resources, articles, or advice that any of the more experienced investors here could offer me. 

Should I wait till the fall/winter so the market isn't so insane? Or am I just letting good deals pass me by?

Are there any other investors/flippers in the Tacoma area that wouldn't mind me picking their brain and asking questions?

Should I go with the lender that got me approved right away, or is that asking for disaster during closing? I've heard lots of horror stories about deals falling through because one or two items were missed.

What do you guys think?