There are some really reputable credit repair folks around Houston.  

Maybe your agent has a reputation of making ridiculous offers and never closing deals wasting everyone's  time. 

Making $3K - $6K on each flip will keep you in the game and you build a reputation among buyers as the place they can get a good deal from.  

.#2 Start networking; especially with the goals of positive connections and creating a trustworthy and honest reputation.

Having a second full bath upstairs IS a definite big plus and the bathrooms look very nice for that price range, maybe even a bit over done and that's from someone who HATES plastic tub surrounds!

Two of the teenagers are authorized on the rental agreement to each live there 180 days or less a year.The teens have a reputation for being bad boys.  

As a first time investor, since you're investing out of state, I would recommend you go with a turn key property from a well reputable company in the Milwaukee area.

I need assistance from a reputable, competent agent/broker.  

You can go to any bank that offers HELOCs and to be honest every reputable bank offers them.

As a real estate investor / landlord / property manager -- I'm always on the hunt for affordable & reliable help and Angie's List has a ton of reputable companies to contact for quotes, etc.