My First "Serious" Flip

[Hilary Stalder]

Hey BP Community! I'm brand new here, but have been obsessing over the podcasts. I'm looking to do my first "serious" deal and I'm thinking the flip route is right for me. I did a couple long term live-in "flips", but nothing at a quick pace (hence first "serious" deal). My boyfriend and I are both selling our houses in the next few months and will have SOME cash to invest. The idea is to pay cash for the repairs, but try to finance most of the deal with hard money. We're in the Orlando Market. I'm focusing now on research since we have to sell the houses to have the fluid cash available, but I'm hoping the BP community can help this newbie out:

1. Tips for hard money lenders - Any great tips for dealing with a hard money lender as a beginner? 

2. Tips for finding deals - I'm planning to drive for dollars and hand write letters, maybe try to track down my mailman. Any other pointers?

3. Real Estate License - I have my license, I'm thinking I'll activate it as soon as I have the cash to make the deals work better in a tight market, any tips BP community?

4. GC License - I'm in the process of applying for my license inactive, but thinking since I work full-time I'm going to focus on finding a contractor that can do this work for me. Tips for finding a contractor (other than HD at 6am... I'm going to do this!). 

5. Any other tips for a beginner? I'm about to read Flip Your Future and planning to read J Scott's The Book on Flipping Houses, any other good ones?

Thanks guys! I'm excited for what's to come :)