Purchase a First Flip Property in Late Summer, or Wait For the Winter?

[Burt L.]

I am looking to begin an initial flip property, and as its early August I wonder if I should wait and make the purchase this winter to be put on the market in early spring.

In talking to local rehabbers I've heard some of the following conflicting comments:

1. Rehabs need to be back on the market no later than October 15th.
2. Do flips in the first and second quarters and buy and holds in the third and fourth quarters.
3. The market is all year long - understandably said by a wholesaler.
4. Take a large margin deal whenever you can find it.
5. Make your rehab-house purchases while others are busy purchasing Christmas gifts.

There is a winter season in Denver, with fewer sales as in most locales. If I could find a great deal in a strong neighborhood I would be less concerned, but what I see are usually tighter margin deals making 15-20K as wholesale prices have risen.

Is the end of summer a more difficult time to do an initial filp project? I would be using borrowed funds.