Suggestions for learning the fix & flip business

[Michael Wever]

I've purchased multiple houses in the past and really enjoyed the rehab process. However they were all primary residences at the time. My question is what would you recommend to get my feet wet in a fix & flip business.  Should I take the plunge and invest in a non-primary residence property and essentially learn through trial by fire? Or would it be best to offer some free services such as boots on the ground in exchange to learn from another investors business?  I live in a college town (South Bend - Notre Dame) so it may be a good market for out of town investors.  Look forward to any advice.  Thanks, Mike.