Newbie in SE MI (I don’t want to be a newbie for long!)

[Clifton Miller]

Oh man! 

I thought I was gonna be sitting pretty when I became an RN. Then I thought it would Happen when I began saving a Roth IRA and other investment funds early on with Edward Jones. Well, cut to, it's two years later and I have lost 2.4% of the $60,000 I've invested. I know it mostly has to do with the time I began investing (plus I'm paying someone else) but I have luckily found bigger pockets and discovered a new goal to pursue. I've spent the last few months learning a great deal, and have done roofing, vinyl siding, painting, and deck building in the past.

Does anyone in the Washtenaw county, MI (or surrounding) area have recommendations for what neighborhoods have treated them well? Anybody investing in this area know contractors they would recommend? Anyone want to find a time to meet up and talk REI?

Doing BRRRRs with the 1031 sounds  like the way I want to go. Any quick tips, detailed tips? Is it smart to find an agent for your first deal or better to find it yourself? Any good free calculators out there or should I upgrade to Pro for the BP calculator?

I could honestly ask a hundred questions but I will leave it at that for now.

Thanks