As a fellow NEA native I'm pumped to see you making waves in REI!  

For newbies that want to get into flipping business, how hard is it to get a fund from a private lender?

I personally think this is the best way to get your feet in the game in SoCal and buying a SFR for your first purchase is not going to get you a good start to the ultimate goal of financial freedom unless you plan to rent out some of the bedrooms but with a family that’s hard. I

No matter how hard I negotiate I always end up paying exactly what they are worth.It has become so irritating to me that I have told my bank that I won't pay for appraisals anymore. 

I had, and still do, very ambitious goals so working hard is what keeps me going.

Finding good contractors is HARD. I

I am a native Long islander and i have been doing pretty well.  

Are you a Pittsburgh native?

I am native of San Francisco, CA.

How hard is it going to be to finance that deal?