I think my next moves may be an out of state duplex and/or a local flip with a realtor friend of mine who has some experience doing it.

Mind if I DM you/add you as a friend?

It could’ve just be my personality, but I always felt a little reluctant to be extra friendly if the other side did not reciprocate.

This is most conservative (retirement friendly). 

Besides directly contacting the employer, this is now the only way I feel comfortable verifying income—especially since pay stubs and bank statements are frequently being altered these days.

Best decision I've ever made. 4-6% average annual appreciation rate, stable job growth, population growth, drivable to the Bay Area, close to Lake Tahoe, no state income tax, 4th lowest property taxes in the Nation, much more landlord friendly than CA, land constrained meaning limited supply, etc. 

Hello Everyone, I want to do fixes and flips, Nowadays, I connect with an investor-friendly real estate agent, and we have a good and informative conversation.

And if you want an extra layer of confidence, find an investor-friendly real estate attorney or a knowledgeable friend who can help dissect the operating agreement.

My wife's friend's husband is a handyman who has a lot of experience.

Establish a relationship with an investment-friendly realtor.