This would be a good step to define the amount of money to put into savings.

Can you define LOC for me?

It defines the playing field for financing.Compare: 1) "I am looking at flipping a house and want to know my financing options"2) "I want to find a 3bd/2ba townhouse with an ARV of $650K-$750K to rehab and flip in Orange Co. between Santa Ana and Fountain Valley.

She advised me to try and focus on getting my life together, which she defined as securing better employment in science; the degree that earned me my student loan debt.I don't know if I will be attending said REIA again next month because of the "speaker" they had that night.

Define your goals and network with mentors who know the local market.

When you're ready, here are some good DO's and DON'Ts when getting bids:DOWrite out a detailed scope of work that outlines exactly what you want to do.Clearly define what (if any) materials you will buy and what the GC will supply.Get multiple competing bids.Check GC references, call past clients of theirs and possibly even ask to see their work.Closely analyze each bid and ask a lot of questions on things that are not spelled out.Ask each bidder for an anticipated schedule for the work to be completed.Ask each bidder about their desired payment terms.Sign a contract/written agreement with the successful bidder.DON'TWaste people's time if you're not serious about hiring them.Walk the job with competing bidders at the same time.Assume that all GC's will see the work happening the same way.Pay large sums of money in advance unless it's justified.  

Someone to track down dig leads within a defined district or zip code.

Both my wife and I look forward to getting to know our local and expanded BiggerPocket community.Our niches as we have (so far) defined, is buy and hold in the $150-250k range in North Dallas that will rent in the 1-2% range. 

My initial strategy is defined: buy and hold multifamily investment properties that cash flow in and around where I live, Philadelphia, PA.

Define your goals and network.