Newbie Contractor HELP!

[Fin Johnston]

Hi everyone, I've been very hesitant for my first post, but here goes. I'm a retired contractor with 30 years experience and want to get into real estate investing/house flipping. When I say I'm hesitant, it's because I've seen so many posts on various forums telling investors to never partner with a contractor, just pay them. But here I am, my daily construction business is closed. I want to use my 30 year experience to partner with someone in Los Angeles where I live or Fresno, where my son and family live, and look for properties to rehab and flip for starters. Eventually rental property. But obviously I have no idea where to start. I need help. Partner? Hard Money? I'm so new and such a novice, I would so appreciate any direction. On the other hand, I'm very comfortable going to properly and assessing inside and out necessary repairs and how to do them professionally and most economically. I'm still in contact with sub contractors as well. Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Fin... from newbie land