We're based in Tampa and, in addition to personally investing, I own a mortgage company that provides financing for tons of investors.

You pay your agent at closing (think of it as an additional closing cost) Depending of the situation and of these options can be used by you and your agent to negotiate with the seller.

Hey Tyler we hate to hear that your experience was negative sincerely we would have hoped that we could have come to a resolution we know that you and your partner had made a request that we do $800 of work that was unfortunately not in your scope of work at the time we had exhausted $4900 in additional work to ensure the property was to satisfaction which included a new hood range upgraded lvp flooring additional framing  new window and a paint upgrade from a single color format to a multi color format and can lighting all of which was never in the original scope and unfortunately when we requested that we do the work you declined I’ve attached before and after videos of the home for reference https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/h0ddll4cyp5g5gq12o73s/Video-J... always twos sides to these stories.. 

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

@Kleyn LopezI have referrals in the San Diego area if you are in need of additional CPA recommendations.

With one successful flip under my belt, I'm eager to connect with fellow investors and expand my knowledge and network in this vibrant real estate market.In addition to my passion for real estate, I’m also a skilled electrician.

Quote from @Victor Yang:In addition, is it possible for me and my wife to gift 36k worth of equity per year of the house (under the annual exclusion limit) and therefore have none of the costs go towards the lifetime gift limit?

An umbrella policy for additional liability. 

Additionally, your brother would inherit your cost basis in the property, which could result in significant capital gains tax if he sells the property later.

In addition to cheaper prices through Minoan, they set up a site for your property with affiliate links in it.