Looking to start flipping

[Nancy O.]

Hi guys. I'm new here. I have experience in rentals but want to start flipping. Given the current situation and market, is it a good time to start or safer to wait? I have been following housing market trends. Demand exploded after April but some areas are flattening out this month. Is the trend likely to dip anytime soon? 

For those who have been successful in flipping:

What matters the most in a deal to you? 

How do you determine the probability of success? 

Can you do this solo and just contract out all the work or is it better to form a partnership and start with a group of people? 

How do you find deals? Foreclosures? Wholesale?

Do you recommend starting off on a house that doesn't need too much work?

If rentals are considered safe investments for everyone then how would you rate flipping? Leave it to the pros? Anyone can be successful? 

I'm located in Los Angeles. Looking to do deals in SoCal. I have funds in place but still learning and deciding if flipping is a go.