Flipping is really a three legged stool. You need to find the property but you also need to have people that can do work you are not able or willing to do and then you need the financing. Without any of the three you are dead in the water.
When we started, we could find deals but by the time we lined up financing, another investor that had financing already got the deal. So without knowing where you are in terms of having the funds for a flip (savings, HELOC, PML, HML, bank, etc.), probably spend a little time getting that in order.
As far as contractors go, how much are you planning on doing yourself? Do you need a GC one simply subs for certain tasks like electrical, plumbing, roofing, etc. One thing that a lot of first time flippers expect is that they can find a property and then get a contractor to come right over for an estimate. Too much work for the good ones to spend time giving free estimates hoping you even get the property. You need to be able to get a ballpark number on your own to see if the deal is even worth pursuing. Once you lock it down with a contract, you can get them to give you an estimate and use the inspection period if you need to.
If there is a local REIG, join it and see who they recommend for contractors in the area. You might see if one of the members will let you come through a property they are doing and see what estimates versus actual numbers look like. We have done that with several people starting out and seeing how to do a walk thru and what costs are will help you make that offer without putting yourself at too much risk.
So in answer to your question, try to get some contractors lined up that will work with you as a flipper but do not expect them to come look at every property you are thinking about putting in an offer on. Spend more time getting your financing in order. We willing to come here and put up a property and ask for input on what we see that might be a deal breaker . . .
Good luck and hope this helps
