Investment first steps

[Michael Lleverino]

Hello BP,

Really exited to have found this forum. I've been reading many of the posts and sure see plenty of creative ideas to make investments work.
As for my real estate experience, I've had the opportunity to own condos (x2), 4-plexes (x3), SFR (x1) and a 3-plex. All have been sold except the SFR which I have rented out. Financing was done through normal lender (bank) channels so nothing fancy or creative there. All this was done while holding a full time job.
I want to change this now. I want to commit to RE on a full time basis, meaning RE will now provide my income. That said, I first want to learn the business of flipping so that I can begin bringing income short-term. As I build up my funds, I'll be buying rental properties as long-term income generators.
Underlying questions I have are in getting my journey started are...
1) if I were to find a property from a motivated seller (and I have the cash to buy the property at that point in time), what type of contract would I have the seller sign? Where would I get this contract (for properties in TX)?
2) Once the contract is signed, do I work with a RE Agent to get it closed

These are just a couple of questions that I have now, but I'm certain more will follow.
Look forward to working with the BP family.
Mlleverino