Flipping newbie looking for recommendations!

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I'm new to both BiggerPockets and real estate investing, but I am ready to get off the sidelines and do my first deal in the next couple of months! I've been working with a real estate agent in the area and I'm going to tour 5-7 homes next week in both the Red Bank/Hixson and Brainerd areas. I believe at least one of these homes could be my first flip!

The two areas I'm still trying to hammer out are financing and contracting out the repairs. I know I have a good financial resume, but I'm unsure which route I should take to finance the flip (hard money lender, private lender, etc.) I also don't have much knowledge on good contractors in the Chattanooga area. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations?