I personally like to do the texture patching because I am very good at it, but it is a hassle, and I feel like I should be able to charge them for it.

Creative strategies like lease options allow investors to control properties without owning them upfront.

I'm currently in tech and own a few rentals and was intent on starting a house flipping business a few years ago for some passive income and something to fall back on.

That's the best way to get into investing; holding the property you own and renting it when buying another.

Quote from @Quinzel Waiters:I would just keep looking and follow up with the person.

So numbers are spot on, those saying they have lenders giving them money on bridge at 8-9% are those private lenders using own funds, if its institutional money etc. its much more expensive.

can anyone you know in person vouch for this lender? 

I presume your intention is to be an active investor who owns physical real estate and not someone who invests passively.

I think it's just for text, not to talk with a live person.

Best to use your own numbers to calculate rehab costs, but I understand it is difficult starting out.